Kissing's Out of Fashion

In
the Thirties, as teenagers, he brought her wildflowers,

From
Snowdrops in Spring to Nerines in September.

During
the War when she broke down in fits,

He
visited weekly, gave Roses to her mum.

The
wedding came later, when happiness bloomed freely,

Foxgloves
and Cowslips along every pew.

For
each of their children he brought her Burnt Orchids;

Iris
and Lily for the two who succumbed.

As
age came upon them he tended their garden

Bringing
her Thrift, Scotch Primrose and Broom.

Their
lives lived in colour, so tangled and hard-won.

Giving
the pleasure he never got through.

Her
funeral wreath the last time he gave flowers

There's
now no one left to delight with those blooms..