Nine showy flowers
each one bigger
than my hand
nine shining stars
as in a painting by Van Gogh
a burst of petals
yellow as a stand
of goldenrod
the gallon pot
is wrapped in foil
raspberry red
for my sweet wife
a birthday gift
from friends who treasure her
and on its way
arriving soon I trust
a ring with garnets
tiny diamonds
in a band
of rose gold
a small token
of my love
but for the moment
it's chrysanthemums
only chrysanthemums