POEMS 
The African Violet 
Saint Paulia is my fancy name, 
I’d like to live with you. 
Because you'll grow to love me 
You may start with one or two. 
I am a bit particular 
About my daily care, 
But if you give i properly 
A lovely smile I’ll wear. 
I do my drinking with my feet, 
Warm water suits me better. 
Me set my pot into a pan 
And then go write your letter. 
When the so i moist on top 
Then you Setamie Olt. 
For when tae shee just enough 
I seldom ever pout. 
The size of my pot doesn’t matter, 
As long as I’ve plenty to eat. 
So please don’t forget that for beauty 
Upon well balanced food I must feast. 
Water with sunlight on my leaves 
Affects me very badly 
It turns my lovely green coat brown 
And makes me look quite sadly. 
When I am quite well matured 
And you want some violet babies, 
Just cut a leaf and put it down 
You'll get half a dozen maybe. 
With proper food and correct care 
I'll be loveliest for you. 
Give me strong light, not too much sun 
And my blossoms won’t be few. 
—Thelma M. Cochran 
God’s Power 
God lives among the flowers, 
He loves them every one, 
Especially the African Violet 
Displaying its beauty in the sun. 
God breathes in the beautiful green foliage, 
He smiles in every flower, 
What lies in every seed pod 
But God’s bright radiant power? 
When you are ill or frightened, 
Heavy hearted and full of fears, 
Sit down and bless your violets, 
Their beauty will dry your tears, 
—Mary Margaret Odom 
