Red
       tulips

I'm gasping as he held me
tightly

I love Red tulips,
they're my favorite

I can't remember the question
but that was the answer

I'm riding a prized stallion
trying to slow him into a walk
he's kicking up a fuss, bucking me

Then there's the slap
Crack

and an apology
a kiss
       *a caress

the question is asked again

the answer is the same
(now I remember)

Red tulips

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirrored surface

****! I'm pretty!

surgical steel slips through the gaps
of the imperfect protection
designed to guard a heart
with room to twist

Even in a haze of red
I'm still ****** pretty

Laying on a mound of freshly dug earth
are
     a hundred
                     Red tulips

*He didn't forget