the language of flowers

by G.L. Maverick

i wish i spoke / the language of flowers / i wish i was fluent / in roots & petals / which is to say / i’m sorry for leaving / and i should’ve just handed you / butterfly weed / that whispers “let me go” / through its itty-bitty offshoots / into little orange blooms / instead of crying / maybe you would’ve just smiled / maybe / instead / you wouldn’t have actually listened / maybe you would’ve held on / anyway / i wish you were a bumble bee / and i wish i was pollen / which is to say / i wish you still needed me / like i needed your patient asters & trusting freesias & loyal suns / like i still / need you / need you / need you

G.L. Maverick (she/they) is a poet and aspiring novelist who lives with her family in Virginia (US). Feel free to monitor their nonsensical musings on Twitter @gracenleemav.