we bought two dozen roses
24 deep red flowers at our fingertips
and we felt devilishly alive
shuffling excitedly on the pavement

rushing back to school
we passed them out sporadically
to ones we owed dues
to ones we knew would appreciate
to see the flower bring light to an eye

people asked us why
we asked them why not?

we bought two dozen roses
24 deep red flowers no longer at our fingertips
though we have now gone home
three blossoms on my desk still catch my eye