Woman with a Red Zinnia Mary Cassatt

What power does a solitary zinnia hold
in hands hardened by kitchen chores?
Deadhead, gush of scarlet,
sad but sage encouragement.
I look to find in its button bloom
the beauty I do not possess.
For the day is bushy bright,
if not overly fragrant.
A moment plucked,
a symbol of regret.
Solitary summer confinement,
grease stains on a striped apron.
The love I could have had,
but now will never get.
Forsaken sessile floret
with nothing but this moment left
as the noonday break is spent.

© 2022 | K.Hartless

15 responses to “Absent Friend”

  1. I enjoyed reading this. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so glad, John. Wistful this woman. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Beautifully poignant, K. 💜

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jeff. This pensive moment is captured in the painting, and so I hope I’ve done even a little bit of that with my words. 💜

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome, K. Ah, indeed, you did a wonderful job. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Jim W. Avatar
    Jim W.

    ❤️❤️

    Like

    1. Thank you, Jim. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Tom Avatar

    Lots of poignant descriptions here of wistful regret – all woven together beautifully, K! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tom. 💜 I sat down in the gallery and soaked in her gaze a bit. I’m still wondering exactly what she was thinking.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tom Avatar

        Thanks for all your considerate feedback for my story too. ❤

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You’re very welcome. I hope it is helpful. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Tom Avatar

        Sure was! 🙂 Hope I clarified some changes for the second draft.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 💜🥰🥰

      Like

  6. Wonderful poem and you captured the moment beautifully! 😌💕

    Like

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