even in dying

zinnias are filling the front flower bed

tall stems with heads lifted to the sky

petals stretching wide

bold, bright signs of life

clipping carefully

I set them in a bud vase

bringing the light and colour 

into the house

in the strange environment

of indoor air

the blooms find a way to survive

thrive, delighting the passing eye

even as each moment brings an end

colour softening as it fades

muted glory

finding beauty afresh

even in dying