Regarding your roses, sir. (IP)

I walk in a sunlight world sometimes
And breathe it in entire, wanting to absorb it all
Quickly, before it fades away.
I love it for the fragility, not to want to linger.
When I admire the vast and shimmery water it is, in part,
Because I know that it can drown.

But you don’t see decay, never felt the lure of endings.
Your world is cheery and practical
Pink thornless roses, and a red
That is not at all like blood.

You show me dew and sunset,
Unsought companionship,
A crying child
As if the world could be made new.

Very well. I cannot face your practical talk,
Jobs and dinners and too-bright light.
I’m in love too much with leaving
To join you in the garden.
Truly, I would not wish you different –
But your roses all have thorns.