48/365, 27/30 On Buying Dead Things

They burst in color
from refrigerated buckets
freshly cut stems in the case
They look beautiful
bright and refreshing
and, for men, overwhelming.
There are decisions to be made
the balance of price and beauty
the hidden meanings of color, number, and species of blossom
in which we are illiterate
and our wives are so well versed.
We stare at the case
stand in line for half an hour
behind other men
who also have waited until the last minute
whose imaginations are limited
incapable of selecting a more personal gift.
She will love these
like she loved them last year
The busy woman at the counter assures each of us
our decision was the right one
reminds us to cut them when we get home
it will make them last longer.
We know it won't.
The flowers always wilt in days
just after her smile starts to fade again
We watch them run their course
think of the money we spent
It was nice.
We don't rush out to replace them
Not until the calendar reminds us
of the next holiday
we've nearly missed.