Cut Stems

The young flowers bloom

But I shrivel in the heat—


Scorching blossoms,


Not from the rays of the sun,

But from the untrust that


Burns under my skin.


Will I be anything but a small

Seed? A piece of grass?

An acorn chewed, buried, and


Forgotten?


It's okay if I'm never a watered

Bouquet—happiest in a vase—


Unaware of death claiming

Cut stems.