In the Berea Coffee & Tea Co.
Elihu brings a flower.

I am deadheading my petunias.

Every morning, Elihu brings a flower,
gives it over to the owner,
entertains a stranger.

I am deadheading my petunias,
rain discolors their heads.

Every single morning, Elihu brings a flower,
does not ascribe reason to his why,
teaches more than could be
taught to petunias.

I am deadheading the petunias,
(made it my job to talk about why;
for my own understanding, words, I multiplied)

In the Berea Coffee & Tea Co.
Elihu brings a flower.

I am deadheading the petunias,
keep their feet damp, heads dry.
I know to repay Elihu in silence,
under a sky of wise birds

Elihu brings a flower.
You know.
I do not ask him why.