Cracking back of leaves with every
Step.
Wet from brooding puddles

The sun is high but your mood is low.
You feel just off twelve.
Not knowing how to adjust
Or should you just accept?

You sent her chrysanthemums
But now you're not sure.
She mentioned them once in passing.
The receipt feels heavy in your pocket.

Have you misread the glances?
A dog barks in the distance.
Maybe she always laughs like that.

But oh, how she laughs.
The deep raspyiness, not beautiful
But enjoyable.
A jogger huffs by.
Maybe tulips would have been safer?

You'll find out soon.
You spent so long ensuring every digit Was correct for her.
Is a purple flower a weird choice?

The phone buzzes. You desperately Throttle through the maze of receipts And cinema stubs.
Glowing in triumph, it emerges.

"Hi Dave. I just wanted to say..."
You fumble over the dog leash that Blitzes through.
A crack, the screen splits, resting on a Bed of crooked leaves.
Just next to a row of chrysanthemums.