Petals

Perspective from a 'gardener.'

Deformed petals.
Wilted. Rotten.
Dye them. Die them.

Thorns burrow.
Sting. Stab.
Calloused palm.
Scarlet wound.

Bluebell. Gaze.
Daisy. Pure.
Powder petals.
Powder, powderpuff—
Pious peony.

Fall. Scatter.
Autumn mist.
Sidewalk grave.

Bluebell? Daisy? Child—no.

Rose. Rose-thorn. Razor-pure.
Perfect edge.
Kissing calloused hands.

—

Fall. Scatter.
Blistered blood-mist.
Sidewalk inferno.

Perfect victim. Dead.
Thorns preserved.
Stained-glass avowal.

Vermilion bruise.
Fuchsia vein.
Sapphire sinew.

On my tongue—
On my tongue—
On my tongue.

God’s feast.

Forget.
Me.
Not.

Pluck.
She.
Loves.
Me.

Pluck.
Loves.
Me.
Not.

Perfume.
Wrist.

Wife.
Ophelia.
Lake.

Daughter.
Bella.
Donna.