Black Irises

How they shimmered
in the evening stillness;
the fall of their tongues
glistening, as if to lick
dewdrops from each
quivering tip.

I bent into balmy winds,
and picked them for you...
left them at the place
where you now lie...
soft and sleeping;
green stems arching
towards the sky

and in the morning
when I wake...
beautiful, as they are,
they shall not hold
a candle
to the memory of you
that lingers...still,

and through each leaf,
each trembling petal,
they will breathe
your name; Iris
of the thousand days.