Roses boast variety, scent and color
begging notice of their soft, velvet petals
inspiring sonnet and soliloquy
with reverent grace from bud to bloom
they demand attention.

Zinnias are more raucous and easy going
no crowding the air with fragrance
they arrive like a circus, in row upon row
of cheerful and sturdy brightness
never stingy, easy bounty.

Roses lift their delicate heads above sharp thorns
easily falling prey to black spot, mildew and virus
dislike wet feet, may be sunburned
wither in shade, fine but finicky
with a needy attitude.

Zinnia seeds, tossed in any type of soil
shoot up with merry abundance
like tiny balloons over a sea of green
followed by more and more that rise up
through rain or scorching sun.

Roses adorn regal tables in poised portraits
hushed against rich, velvet curtains
near wine-full goblets and polished silver
drinking from cut-crystal vases
exhaling into the filtered air.

Zinnia stems fit easily in tiny hands
shoved in bouquets, alongside roadside chicory
carried like pirates’ treasure
beneath mud-smeared and smiling faces
offering them up with wet kisses and laughter.

Oh please, let me be a Zinnia!