Unmet Expectations

I didn’t know I
would

Grow to bloom
to be cut.

But I also
didn’t know-

I’d love how big she
smiled

When she looked at
all my petals. . .

The whole sun in her
one expression.

Or that I’d feel such
purpose

Held in the hands of
a gardener,

Gently transferred to
the water

To be seen on her
kitchen table.

Time slips away, or
does it really?

Didn’t it also give me
her smile?

A chance to be with
the gardener?

Grew, then bloomed,
was cut, then held.

I’ve been spent, and
I’ve been seen.

Lived with such great
light all along.

This is a vase,
not a coffin.

-S.V.F.