Amaryllis

Because you are going away,
I want to write you a love poem,
instead I go to the gym
develop muscles,
paint my nails pink,
buy a Nepali rug,
call an old lover,
fix the clogged shower head,
eat Oreos…
all because you are going away in three days,
and I want to write you a love poem
but none of the above
spells meter or muse…
Packing all that is needed,
you reach for something
and the amaryllis on the sill,
blaring its orange trumpets,
sounding its yellow tongues,
spills its bloom on the carpet—
this poem in a lingering winter.

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Laurie Kuntz loves that her work found a home in The Literary Nest. Other places her poetry has appeared are: Sparks of Calliope, Sheila Na Gig, Gyroscope Review, Anti-Heroin Chic, 3rd Wednesday, Ibbetson Street, and others. After four previous nominations, she won a Pushcart Prize in 2024. She has published 8 poetry books; her latest is Shelter In Place, published by Shanti Arts. Press.