Himalayan Poppies

Torn from skies, those petals;

centers of scattered gold-on-onyx

When they fall, one by one,

we see

pieces of summer days

lying careless on the

warm brown earth.

Chrysanthemum

They came enclosed in cellophane

Each globe a thousand pointed ivory teeth

Each crushed green leaf so pungent-fresh

Sharp-scented, breathing spiced perfume

Into the hope-chilled autumn air.

Iris

This gaudy lady with her dress

a ragged purple velvet and

her clashing belt and purse of gold.

And yet, she stands so nonchalant

She nods and sways amidst the green

So calm and cool in summer's heat.