II.
in the hands
of a grown woman
the last petal falling
as she says
"he loves me"

III.
in the garden
of an old lady
who tends to it
each morning

IV.
in a vase
on a table
near a man

V.
in the soil
blocked by grass
its petals
not yet showing

VI.
in a painting
on a canvas
hung on a wall
near the closet

VII.
on the grave
of a woman
who said
it was her favorite

VIII.
in the jacket
of a man
who stands and waits
for his beautiful bride

IX.
crushed to bits
on a sidewalk
by the feet
of passing folk

X.
drooping sadly
its petals now gone

--leah