Tulips from Amsterdam

By luigi_pagano

Thu, 22 Apr 2021
  • 2695 reads
12 comments
 
I have many tulips in my garden
that I regard with pride and joy.
One of them looks very much like
a specimen called "the Viceroy"
 
With purplish veins on its petals
this variety has now been lost
but in the Netherlands, in 1637,
it was sold at an enormous cost.
 
Three to four thousand guilders
were asked for it at one stage,
a staggering sum that represented
ten times a skilled worker's wage.
 
“The Semper Augustus” species
was similarly in great demand;
it was at the centre of tulip mania
being the most expensive brand.
 
Today's prices are more modest,
they don't reach those high peaks
and there is a greater opportunity
to easily acquire what one seeks.
 
The impressive Rembrandt tulip
(Rem's Favorite is its other name)
is a work of art with white petals
painted with deep wine flames.
 
These multicoloured perennials,
like “Cairo” or “Orange Dutch”,
are both striking and beautiful
and they needn't cost too much.
 
I don't make use of these flowers
for pecuniary gains or commerce
but to show my appreciation
and sing their praise with verse.
 
 
 
© Luigi Pagano 2021
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Historical Fiction
Nature

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Some interesting information cleverly written with great rhythm and rhyme in this poem Luigi.

Tulips always appear like cups of beauty to me, especially in Holland, with its many fields of the flowers.

Lovely read.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by marandina on

I have tulips flowering in my front garden - they are just wonderful. An engaging, entertaining poem/story of course, Luigi.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for reading and commenting, Paul.
As I remarked to Jenny, this was a follow-up to a comment in addition to express my admiration for tulips which have flowered in abundance in my garden. We seem to share the esteem for these spectacular botanical showpieces.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Jenny, this poem was inspired not only by the sight of the variegated tulips that have shot up in my garden but also by a reference to tulip mania that Di_Hard made some time ago in one of her comments to my poem Bubble Trouble.
The tulips are indeed cups of beauty, as you say, and they make a spectacular show in any flowerbed 

Thanks for your feedback, Luigi xx

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Interesting bit of history regarding their breding for variety. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks, Rhiannon.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by hilary west on

I always like a nature poem and this was an informative romp through the tulip fields of Amsterdam.

Well Done !

hilary       yes

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Much grateful for your appreciation, hilary. Thank you. smiley

Cheers, Luigi

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

:0) I remembered your Bubble Trouble poem when I saw this one's picture! You explain it all really well, also your love for tulips shines through. Those clean lines and bright colours on long graceful stalks - I share your admiration and hunger to have more - looking at tulips in catalogues is one of my favourite things :0) These days bankers gamble on oil prices or tec stock - much less understandable!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Those bankers have no soul, there is no romance in stocks and shares.smiley

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

You have kindled my interest in tulips Luigi and reminded me of the ones I've had in previous gardens - I will plant some this autumn! How do you get them to stay upright? Do you stake them? i think in the past mine tended to fall over quite quickly

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

So pleased to have kindled your interest in tulips, Claudine. As far as gardening is concerned I am simply a spectator; I love looking at the splendor of the flowers but as my knowledge of garden maintenance is fairly limited, I was nonplussed by your question about how to keep the tulips upright. Mine are always erect.cheeky

Luigi x