Cymbidium
They last a long time
the flower shop woman says
pulling a single stem Cymbidium
out of the tin water bucket
but I ignore the offering
and pick one
trying to match it
to your slender body
your fragrance
from memory.
They last a long time
you say
when I place the tuffted branch
into your hands
and I hope
its blossoms will keep you company
while I'm far from you
long after the last tomato
has ripened
on your kitchen window sill.
© Heldor Schäfer 2010