Forcing Roses

tent and keep clement

cover

     secure

                               and wait

bathe in warm water

                                       give a sharp cut

set aside

in a vase

                   upon your return

                                                 blow

    into the closed

bud   

    reflex and pull

                       and pour

a tepid rivulet

into her

             let gravity             

                        spread petals

untouched by your hand

                                          then quickly upend her

   let drain

    to ready

               run your fingers

       between the folds

    into crevices

                         and gently

             push

                    through

tips tracing

   the ruffles                           circling open


Originally published by The Main Street Rag.

Photo credit: Ana Pou.