Peonies

Full-bosomed blossoms 
shiver in the jade green 
bowl, cream-colored 
petals, rose-tipped, 
soft as skin between 
the fingers, drop 
suddenly like water 
breaking, such quick 
release as if they know 
there’s nothing to hold 
on to, that everything 
in time lets go, making 
room for what comes 
next.