the only flowers I
recognize are
tulips
denver-bred
blooming
fire
red
yellow
orange
photochemistry
defined by
valentine
bouquet
quite
atypical
yet
beautiful

wax-coating
iridescent
rain
mirror
ferti­lized
stamen
kiss me
bad
you
are the
only
species
that can
survive in my
backyard

I think I
love
you

It is just
blood soaked shields
wedged together
to ensure protection.

Inside there is an eye
with a yellow iris
yellow because it is sick
sick of the world
and sick of seeing it.