THE BOUQUET

by Dianne Moritz

When I left that last time,

You handed me a bouquet

Of roses, daisies, and

one lone bud of artichoke

Poking from its center.

After the flowers wilted,

I kept that artichoke

For many days

In a blue, ceramic bowl,

Its heart dried, brittle.

* * * * *

"The Bouquet" was first published in The Drabble (Jan. 6, 2019).

Dianne Moritz writes poetry and children’s books from her home in Southampton, NY. Her book, 1, 2, 3 BY THE SEA, was on Bank Street College’s “best book list of 2014.” Adult pieces have appeared The Drabble, Adelaide Literary Magazine, Haikuniverse, The Haiku Foundation, 101 Words, Writing in a Woman’s Voice, and others. She is a frequent contributor to Highlights Magazines for kids.