names are like flowers

By Aithne Emmons

they store hidden meanings

I name my children hope and joy and forever blooming petals unfurling gently in the new morning names are beginnings and endings and the too-strong perfume of your grandmother in her best dress I sit behind her and stare baby’s breath for innocence I braided it into my hair and pinned it to your lapel blue petals late night promises feet facing the ceiling above the bed feelings like flowers praised only when beauty is the arbiter crafting the white trellis arbor in which we tuck away those unwelcome truths that we hold your fingers wrapped around roses like love like rings on your fingers and you are there smiling in yellow joy sunflower turning to face your golden sun names are like flowers like feelings and poems like secrets and hidden meanings and promises that hold no weight they are all made to be beautiful but the moment that grief is chrysanthemums and I bring them to your wedding

It’s bad luck.

I should befeeling happy for you.