I could say hollyhocks are a firmament
their palmate leaves abound.
From  my shuttered room with a single bed
and ginger-cat for company.
in a letter, I could  say I love you
with your cuisses pommelées
and shoulders held back,
walking in the snow
on a cold winter's night.
Hollyhocks I've been jealous
over certain girls  who parley  in French
the words of l' amour.