Birds of Paradise

Lilac eruptions move upwards and

I can't help but think of us. This
is untraceable. Like moving backwards
by words in a phrase. On the return leg,
footprints create a different arc. It is at this point
that I realise that the flowers are opening
so quickly that it is frightening. Birds of paradise
take flight. We harpoon tiny creatures with
new buds, and cut the stems like shallots.
We sit in front of the vase and cover our tracks.