poppies

i grieve in circles 

in tight coiled spirals

that once sprouted from her scalp

before the chemo

ripped at each follicle 

like a child unknowingly yanking

the roots of earth’s

most precious flower

she loved poppies 

and lived like one too 

vibrantly blooming under the 

most violent conditions,

shining while the sun’s 

scorching heat beat down.

her petals only opened wider

to welcome the wind’s hush

she embraced life with a scarlet tint

opium perfumed hope

that painted her reality

hot hues of a sleeping sunset.

her eyes the exact amber of dawn, 

blinking above the horizon 

when life is understood

as unfair and cruel

only to coexist with colors

as bright as her own

the sun sets again

i find myself in an abyss

absent of her radiant light 

the cycle resets 

i grieve in circles