cracked pot by the door—
a rose blooms despite the mess
still catching the light
her red is louder
than missed calls and loaded carts
she blooms anyway
petals tilt, unasked
you pause with a half-held sigh
she knows how to wait
no slow violins—
just leaves falling on concrete
no apologies
gone with no fanfare
she leaves red on your fingers
like something unsaid
.