When the Storm Settles

He skips quick to the
convenience store
picking Gerberas in
orange, letting dead
petals sail to the floor

She likes big colours,
he buys bright
blooms this morning
knowing it takes sunshine
to pierce midnight’s
darker corners

She wasn’t born
here in the dirt
thought once she was
worth more, lived
inside picket fences, when
flowers meant compassion
Mother gave her the
Name Grace, wanted her
to stay
 
Today her discoloured
face, lost in fear and distaste
while she reached for heaven
found herself in this place
with this man
who cleans up damage with
daisies, and

every day she wipes her
dreams away

when the devil opens the door.