Peonies
(for Harriet)
My peonies flower for your birthday--
extravagant explosion of
unruly blooms.
I wonder if they grow in Holland.
I know you'll have tulips.
Row upon row, orderly,
standing at attention.
Not peonies.
Peonies will run wild,
spread through a garden undeterred
by annual hopes, perennial plans.
I will gather a bouquet for you
when they blossom in my yard next June.