Here on the deck, between Jessica’s yoga mat
and the back wheel of her bike —
here is the pot which you gave me for Mother’s Day
back when my status still mattered to you.
The squirrels ate the gardenia; my own mother’s
favorite flower (this is the key to everything).
But I’ve planted so much here, so many vibrant
flowers, so much that others have admired.
See now this beautiful ivory chrysanthemum!
Every trowel of earth turned with love;
every root laid down with care.
Here is the pot which you gave me for Mother’s Day.