peeled back petals of daisies
and a coffee stain on my shirt
just enough to know what i shouldn't
the cigarette smoke in the breeze
like volcanic ash smothering something beautiful
green grass turns to brown like death
lonely flowers in cool winter air
. though i know it is mid-summer
i thought i might find you here.
i can see it in your eyes, you've got that look again,
so i concentrate on my dirty hands
hiding them behind my back so that
they never speak for me
did you forget the petals you peeled away then
the innocence you fed to the eager wind
so i watch, watch the air sparkle/shimmer
with the regret that seeped out of my pores
i can't hold it in: that every single flower
is actually quite dead
and i
spilled you all over
me
again

(2001)