Impatiens

The impatiens I planted
In June are withering
Their stems growing skinny
And gaunt like patients
In a cancer ward

But I am not ready
To let this season go
And cling to it like a
Yellow jacket traversing
A sunflower's radius

Through dandelion days
And topaz twilights
I've walked barefoot on
Lawns cut like jade
As cool as gemstones

I refuse to yield the season
Lifting a drooping blossom
Of faded color
Upright once again
To its June position

Doug Tanoury

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