Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

Stickler

I bring her red and white carnations 
"Roses," she says, "only roses. Valentine's tradition."
Breezy pressure of non-acceptance
Words that flatten me like a dull sermon
Squirm inducing to understand what I'm up against
Commands that taste like salt
Re-booting the rhythm of ritual
Re-framing an approach to love
For however long the florist remains open












Poem composed: February 16, 2021
Revised: April 18, 2021

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Sam Kauffman March 2, 2021 at 10:55 AM Quite delightful Brian! Tradition is strong and unrelenting for Valentine's Day! So glad you have an understanding florist! How were the roses accepted? All the best! Brian Sambourne March 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM Hi Sam, Thanks for your message. I did try for a different twist to Valentine's Day. In the upgrade, I bought a small miniature roses bush for the table. The bush was transplanted to the garden in May. Both flowering arrangements were accepted. Best wishes + many thanks for dropping by. Cheers Brian

Richard Lamoureux March 1, 2021 at 7:32 AM Thanks for adding your Valentine twist. Congrats on your win in my contest. Brian Sambourne March 1, 2021 at 7:54 AM A most appropriate contest for February. Thanks very much for sponsoring. Best wishes, Brian

Caren Krutsinger February 25, 2021 at 5:57 AM Oh my! Such a clear picture of “who” you are up against, Brian Sambourne February 25, 2021 at 5:47 PM Hi Caren, Yes, such words were actually spoken to me. Roses on Valentine's Day. Carnations simply don't measure up. Thank you for reading + responding to my free verse. Health + happiness regards, Brian