Flowers

The bouquet that you brought me
the beautiful tulips and sunflowers

have wilted and collapsed
scattering a fine dusting of pollen

over the table where they stood
: the water in the crystal vase

has turned cloudy
the stems are now nothing more

than a spineless mush
The soft velvet petals

curled and wrinkled with age
have entirely lost their allure

They were a gesture in a moment
for a moment that could not last

and yet in time beyond time
our affections are untouched

and the kiss that they inspired
will outlive the driest dust

John Lyons