~LYNNELL EDWARDS~

THE OFFICES OF FLOWERS

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The tulips left late
in the vase
have surrendered.
Their petals like letters—
curled, dry—
rest on the table top.

Stalks gone slick
and soft, I lift
the bunch, bleeding
water, leaf,
carry it out
through the house,
find a place
to rest the limpid stems.

Again I have required
too much from
the offices of flowers:
that they hold their pose,
open, close another week,
flash their magnificent spray,
scent and bloom
the rest of my life.

                

© by Lynnell Edwards