Fresh Cut Flowers

"Fresh-cut flowers!" rang out the cry
Perhaps if only to smell them will I buy
A dainty sort of pedal and stock so green
Indeed so beautiful a flower as I had ever seen
 
Clinging to the stem, fell the water dripping by
And to my eyes, a tear as a funeral passed on by
Yet with its stinging finality death wore a bright red rose
Clinging to sweet memories while it laid in sweet repose
 
Quickly cut from earth, to bear the burdens of the mourning
Entwined with ribbons lace, for the earth it is yearning
And life found the end of its beginning days
Again in the sun, basking in its glorious rays
 
No mourner stopped by to smell the fresh cut flowers
Rather set foot in stride with faces sad and dour
And I stood silent still, watching as they marched on by
Grieving for the fresh cut flowers that I would buy

©1998 Brian Duffin