birthday gift

the other days of the year:

you drove me through

streets winding along

the flower market.

I gazed at the displays,

arrays and bouquets,

of roses, carnations and irises.

while strolling with you

I took photos of blooms,

growing along the street.

you knew i loved them,

but you refused to gift

a love that lives then perishes.

then one special day:

you found your way to say,

"I love you," ardently

in full blossom.

preserved perfectly,

my sunflower in resin

glowing warm light

throughout the night--

my never-wither,

always-with-you,

gift for all time.