The Iris Garden

I would remain outside
your circle. A little secret,
a poisoned bird. I have forgotten

the difference between
something strange and
no place on earth.

I have better things to do
than die unfinished.

When I step away, a leap
in the dark, all growth
becomes your opinion.

I have risked the invaluable
lesson of flower, the myth of
moss & elms, the unlikely alliance

of earth and flesh.

Not an easy decision
to remain concealed or lie
like death between the hills.

Loss darkens the will
in the way, opaque as petal
and just as beautiful.

Dressed & undressed, I have
been faithful. Standing in
the middle of an iris garden,

purple as skin with yellow eyes.