Sunflower

For Vincent

You took one step forward and tell me

you planted all the secrets deep in the soil

 “van Gogh would’ve known,” you said.

With warmth on your smile you took a step

backward and let me tend it

wounds you would not let anyone peek

I guarded it as if it was mine to keep

precious, vulnerable

hoping someday it will grow and grow

to be the love of a lifetime

Spring came but it never bloomed

the roots hardened

the branches broke

and cracks appeared like terrible veins

on my wrist

I watered and watered with nothing but

teardrops and agony

But it died leaving no whisper

nor love

And I do realize

van Gogh would have known

for it was selfish lies you buried underneath

Love, May & November