The flower

The flower is rotten 
to the core. I still remember it. 

White petals, 
like an open hand. That night 

it came into full bloom and 
took everyone by surprise. 

I remember everything 
about that night, 

the conversation, 
the distraction, but it has been 

several years since its last. 
I am not sure if it ever will 

happen again, with its stalk 
and leaves now covered 

fully 
in angry white hair.

Dale Chou
2019-10-13