Love On Long Stems
b
y
Marlene McCarty


Valentines Day--here at last!
She knows he'll come, ring her bell
arms laden with love.
Love on long stems,
in heart-shaped sweets
in flowing verse.

Daylight fades quickly
Hope lingers patiently
Love is not here yet, but it's coming.
It will come.
he will come.

He does come! Laden down
with reasons
apologies
wilted roses, and
watered-down love.

Tears bloom in profusion
roses die
and
love is a lie.


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© 2000 Marlene McCarty