A Fragrant Shrub Bought for a Sister
Aunt Wilma wanted me to plant a white
Gardenia on Lorena’s grave, dark green
Leaves, glossiness and beauty there in spite
Of crab grass. This would make the dry sand scene
More lovely, like Lorena, she the gem
Cut into facets by the blade of life,
A diamond for a jewelled diadem
Now laid beneath the ground, the blade struck wife
Who lies so near the chapel in La Grange.
What Wilma didn’t know was that the plant
Required some shade. Harsh sunlight would derange
The foliage. The leaves and blooms would pant
Their way to join Lorena in her space,
A realm devoid of colors and of grace.