Faded Glory

This weekend

I was having diner
somewhere.

On the table was a bouquet
containing a few lilies
white with pink tinged.

The smell of them
was so strong
that it took away

our appetite
and we moved

the bouquet
to another spot
in the house

I thought
how these lilies
resemble
certain ladies
at age
once beauteous
but transient

My mind's eye saw
one of those ladies
walking around in my house
perhaps it was me
about 20 years
maybe 30….

Filling the nest

with the smell
of nearly wilted
but
touch-and-going
  glaringly 
blooming lilies.

Perhaps not even

entirely unpleasant
but unintentionally

too hysterical
and well-nigh vulgar
sweet and intoxicating
baiting & anther dusting.

Appetite spoiled.