plucking petals
-3-
(just forget)

Four— no, one— no, two. Two.
Sachiko and Midori.
Girls, of course.
(she’s tired of boys, and he’ll be happy regardless)

Farming. Not a big one, but enough.
Quiet countryside. Fields of wheat.
Gardens. No sunflowers.
(she’s grown accustomed to starry nights, even to the scent of hay)

Festive evenings with big dinners, and
afternoons in the shade. Growing old in peace,
for once.
Years of waking up next to—

… next to…

(she returns to her dishes and pretends she doesn’t have to choose)