Violets in a Vase

A man's remembrance of his wife.

Violets in a vase

on the bare window sill

wilting their purple away 

He'd watched her pluck them

one by one from the grass

he remembered, last tuesday. 

Sheets on the line

blowing in the wind

growing soggy in the rain

He'd watched her hang them

corner by corner with pins

he remembered, how plain. 

Dog at the door

scratching at the screen

its stomach growling in hunger

He'd watched her feed him

bone by bone from the dish

he remembered, his blunder. 

Hand on the sheet

freezing by the minute

its fingers curled in rigor

He'd watched her lay it there

muscle by muscle in pain

he remembered, death's liquor. 

Author's Note

Inspired by a picture I saw of dogtooth violets in a vase.

Reviews

[Eagle Cruagh]

Some ladies are veiled contemporary
while others speak their mind
Then other girls are known for pearls
But they all are lovable as girls
The one that is a mystery may go
down in history because we seek to know
what little thing drives her mind to
write the thing that makes us glow.
Well, it was what I thought , it was a
reaction to your mood. It was`nt sharp
and not a lark, so stop to reflect and think
----- John

[Lydia]

Very good. I always find it strange how a simple thing can inspire a story (or a poem.)

[None]

Powerful. Great job. I become a part of his memory's perception. THis poem grows with multiple reads, as all poetry should. Deep and vivid. Good job.

[Antonio Valentino]

oh my god, didnt expect that ending.. soo sad, part of life though yes.. enjoyed your style of writing, thanks for sharing it with us..

:)