Vespers and Matins

Matins and Vespers THE WILD IRIS contains several poems under the titles "Matins" and "Vespers." The first half of the book contains seven poems titled, "Matins." The second half of the book contains ten poems titled, "Vespers."

Matins and Vespers are the names of two of the seven "canonical hours", times of day reserved for prayer. These prayers may be said in common or individually. Matins are morning prayers. Vespers are evening prayers.