patio flower / Tohm Bakelas

between
the back patio
and the foundation
of the house
i saw the most
beautiful flower
growing—

it had soft black petals,
a bright golden sun center,
a dark green stem, and
yellow-green leaves—

and for some time,
i sat with that
beautiful flower;
watching it breathe and
whisper to the wind;
i left it dancing in the sun.

eventually when I came back,
I dumped poison on the flower
and watched it die.

such beauty deserved a happier home.

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Tohm Bakelas is a social worker in a psychiatric hospital. He was born in New Jersey, resides there, and will die there. His poems have appeared in numerous journals, zines, and online publications. He is the author of several chapbooks and a full length book of poetry. His work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and he intends to conquer the small press and exclusively publish within. https://tohmbakelaspoetry.wordpress.com Instagram: @flexyourhead