This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on May 16, 2006). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Until I looked at them from this angle, I never realized that the flowers grew in a spiral around the central stem.
“Wildwood Flower” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The from the album Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1972, 3:33).
When I am an old man I shall wear purple flowers
With a red hat which doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me well
I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer wine
And satin sandals, and say I’ve no money for butter
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and malls
And run my cane along the public railings
Just to make up for the sobriety of my youth
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
To pick the purple flowers from other people’s gardens
But maybe I ought to practice a little now
So people who know me are not too shocked
When suddenly I am old
And start to wear purple flowers