Tulips
(For my sons, Andrew & Alex)
I noticed you this morning
From the corner of my eye,
A flame blazing, a mandarin
Mouthed mama. I shoulda
Been happy, I shouda jumped
To the sky, I shouda kissed
Your silk petals, inhaled your
Insides. I shouda absorbed
Your thin skin, rubbed my fingers
Across each lip, stuck you in
Water, gave you a sip. I shoulda
Folded you in my palm like
A Red Taiji Fan, pinned your
Petals to walls like an unmarried
Man. I coulda made a collage,
Dipped your body in paint, glued
And anointed you like an Anglican
Saint. Why didn't I pick you
Before the breeze set you free,
Before your wings fluttered
Wildly like a young honeybee?
I shoulda known you'd leave me,
I shoulda prepared for the fall,
But the roots were torn out
There was nothing at all...