Hayfever

The blossom falls around me in a fluttery haze
Reminding me of a softer time.
Clouds of seeds float over my head
Filtering the sunlight into rays and pools
Settling like honey on the grass.

You sneeze - once, twice -
Breaking the spell with the bursting snort.
Then you turn your streaming eyes to mine
Tears running in rivulets past your blotchy red nose
Abseiling bravely down your blotchy red cheeks.
You sniff - once, twice -
As a clock drifts past your blotchy red eyes.

I bite my lip, you really are suffering.
I loosen your bonds slightly -
Examining your wrists for signs of scarring -
Then lie back in the softly waving grasses.
The delicate blossom falls even more slowly now,
Standing almost motionless in the lazy summer air.

A crow lands on your chest and begins to peck.