everyday flowers

i run into my florist, Mildred,

on the street,

she looks at me

and says, just where have you been.

we haven't seen

you in ages.

it used to be every week

the roses, the daffodils,

the orchids and the mums.

all with an apology

note. we must have sold

you bushels of flowers

over the last few years.

crystal vases!

yeah, i tell her. but that's

all done.

the roses are dead, the violets

are too,

i'm sick and tired

of picking up after you.

tom waits, she says. just love

him.

One From the Heart is my

fave album of his, but stop

by sometime.

we have a nice bundle

of everyday flowers, no need

to be in a relationship

for flowers.

hmmm. you're right,

never thought of that.