cut off

i tend not to go in for cut flowers, preferring potted plants or flowers that are still attached to the earth outside. it seems such a waste, something that is cut off and won't grow anymore, or fruit.

but in the case of the narcissus, i made an exception. the first one broke when one of the little mad people (or beasts) of the house ran over it, possibly with a bike. it was broken clean off, so i prolonged its life by bringing it indoors, in a vase, to delight all the knights of the dinner table.

then another one just lay down and kissed the ground. i don't know why, maybe it had given up hope, or maybe it just wanted to get back to its roots. anyway, slugs started eating the petals, so i thought it would be a waste to leave it. and in it came.

finally, there was a big storm. garden furniture flew away and fences collapsed. the long-stemmed narcissus didn't stand a chance. they were all lying flat in the dirt when the wind subsided.

so i took them all in, and they brightened the day, just like the blown-off magnolia flower, the LEGO tower, the mad dog in his bounciness, and my flowery cup of tea.

happy spring!