The guy from the country who was all chrysanthemums, even with one arm. The guy from the city who was forceful as foxgloves; I had to lie so things didn’t get irrevocably worse. And my older cousin, once removed, who was once removed from my life after trying to tulip us into the dark room while babysitting me. His father too, all marigolds on the couch when I was nine. Not to mention the jasmine from people who should be safe places. Not to mention.

comparing petals
our purples and greens
on this night

Bio: Kat Lehmann