Poppies to Prayers

Today I bought myself some flowers, because...well...yeah.

Cost?  $6.98   value- a lot more than that.

This Waterford vase is nearing 5 years old. It came with an arrangement from my Mother's funeral, so 

it brings me a warm feeling every time I use it. 

Maybe people would be happier if they gave up the extra 12 pack of soda in their cart and bought themselves some flowers instead...just a thought.

Fraction of Poppies

Once I was sure where the decimal point should be placed,

casually jotted among the roses, or to make a bold point in the delphinium,

but in any instance, the dividing mark between dollars and cents,

fractions and wholes,

was vividly and persuasively expressed; the register counted clean at the end of the shift,

and everything was accounted for.

Now I find I lose a dollar here and there,

pennies rolling this way and that, falling into cracked peppercorn plants,

to blossom copper-colored in the fall with the Autumn Joy sedum, 

and I am not sure if I am half-way there or if indeed I have lost a quarter,

My stride across the pasture lengthens with the sunset, for 

I must cross this field before the ratio of poppies to prayers

outstrips me.