crescendo to the kitchen table,
dazily laying, split in thirds
tripartite papaya colored curves
naked stalk still stretching above like a humming bird's beakdetached from stem, severed from root,
inevitable fading
The stamens slope, pollen spills
gently arching petals like crumpled tissue paper,
the gift opened, the wrapping discarded
Still, an offering
'I blossomed'
I gave myself and will give myself
to the end
