About Pansies
first, they're supposed to be biannuals
that's what the plastic non-recyclable marker
in each compartment of each tray insists
but no, summer after summer after summer
they stare at you with frowns
or wonder on their multi-racial faces
then fold up, then swell into a small balloon
burst like a star
shooting perennial fireworks over a humus night
now just look at the fools -
December, even the magnolia, thinking
it can keep its leaves through the winter, has
learned better -
among the vanished roses, roots
put to bed,
from petals papery in the blanching cold
raise up their indigo looks
