It starts like this:
On your first date, he gives
You a rose.
After 4 dates, you give
Him a pie you made, lovingly
From scratch
Next, he gives you
A hoodie, and you give
Him a poetry book;
A necklace and a pen set,
Earrings for a tie.

Suddenly, you find yourself running out of things to give.
You’ve given every possession you
Can think of.
So you start giving him little pieces
Of yourself.
Your secrets,
Your promises,
Your hope.
Yourself.
Take it, babe.
You can have it all.

And then he leaves.

He leaves with your hope,
Your promises,
Secrets,
Necklace,
Even the
Long
Dead
Rose
He gave you on your first
Date.

Did you ever see the petals wilting?