Bernard Buffett

I, too, was once a tulip
firm, Parisian fan petals
velvety, soft and
worthy of touching.

I, too, was once one of them
things with long, firm legs,
a pop-up delight
free falling in the windy night
only to regain my composure
each morning,
dew drops refreshing me.

I, too, was plucked by the stem,
shoved in a basket with the others
my age, for comparison.

Brought to market
and sold on a whim,
then put in a vase
out of sunlight,
and forgotten.

No one looks at you after your colors go dim.

©2023 | K. Hartless


GloPoWriMo : This poem was written for Late Night Poet’s Break on Through celebrating the paintings of Bernard Buffett.

14 responses to “GloPoWriMo #11 I, too, was once a tulip”

  1. beautiful but sad, K; I love the metaphor of the flowers, how you play with it, and that killer last line: ‘No one looks at you after your colours dim ‘; great song btw

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    1. Thank you kindly, John. I saw this painting and had that instant feeling about it. A heart on the sleeve sort of write. I’m glad you like it, and the musical number that was playing in my head as I wrote it.

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      1. where
        s it from, K? a stage production?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Les Mis. I think the broadway version.

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  2. It leads me to think to never pick a beautiful flower 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Indeed. It’s a bit like being an executioner, I suppose.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It is really…

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  3. You share such creative and moving work. Thank you, K.!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So kind. I really appreciate your comments, Michelle. Thank you for reading my words.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I really enjoy your posts, so it’s a win-win. 😁

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  4. “No one looks at you after your colors go dim” – boy did I feel that line 🖤🖤

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    1. Yes, an acute observation on myself, but one I imagine to be quite universal to middle aged women. Thank you for connecting to my piece.💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re most welcome my friend.
        Thank you for siting such a resonant piece 😊🖤

        Liked by 1 person

      2. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

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