beyond my comprehension

when young,

very young, in the beginning

stages

of shaving.

of learning

the curves of women.

unraveling the puzzle

of what

makes them tick,

i'd spend part of

my meager sum

of a weeks work

on such things as flowers,

or cards,

some cheap broche

or necklace or shiny

ring

to indicate my affection.

buying not

love, but

something else beyond

my comprehension.

and now,

with this vase of flowers

on my shelf

i think how strange it is

that the tables

have turned.