Part 1: Persistence

There are dreams
that wither
by slow lingering

like roses pinned
too long
to a gown

efforts are made
to preserve
the ethereal

chilling them
in the fridge
frost taking bites

While others become
pressed as roadkill
between leaves shut tight

But—If taken away
before mold makes
all writhe in dismay

rescued flowers
tied upside down out of sight
can dry in a closet away from light

and mummify enthralled
persisting through time
in a dark still memorial

PART 2: A Shining Moment

Scavengers on the move
searching empty homes
for something to sooth

Behind each door where memories bake
they wonder what’s in there
for them to take

The Closet door opens
indignant cries say:
“WHY TORTURE FLOWERS IN THIS WAY?!!”

Their eyes wide—short of fright
attracted and repelled
by the topsy turvy sight

Their restless fingering
reach out to grab
hoisted beauties still lingering

But their desire is too much
their touch bursts all apart
leaving nothing in their clutch

deconstructing a dream
formed in the bliss of youth
things not always as they seem

The invaders witnessed bits
disperse through the air
mingling with stardust already there

shimmering particles danced in the light
the streaming bands played
their last shining moment in the night