54th and Roy

Jan. 24, 2013

54th and Roy

Michael trims the roses
     at 54th and Roy,
Clearing away the dead blooms
     that froze despite the sunlight.
He grips their stems with ungloved hands,
     grey palms snapping off the thorns.
Well weathered hands twist,
     crack,
          tear away the flowers,
Scratch his head,
     Pick the shriveled leaves
          As all the cars pass by on the freeway.