Peonies bloom
in a burst of color
and intoxicating scent.
White petals
sprinkled with dew
drooping
under the weight of expectation.
Perfect globes encase
the beginnings of each masterpiece
while ants parade
through pollination -
their tiny feet
encouraging flowers
to come forth and greet the sun.
He loved peonies.
All shades -
baby pink to magenta,
all variations in between.
His hands
once roughened by work,
then softened by age,
would cup a blossom
gently
like handling a newborn grandchild
and bring it to his face
just a ghost of a kiss
and whisper of appreciation.
