While you became eighteen:

Rattle snake grass shuddered
in the ocean breeze.
Vibrant red spokes
from the coral tree
formed reckless patterns
where the street gave way
to roots.

A friendly nasturtium crept
through a country-feeling fence,
next door to the garden
with lavender and rosemary.

The lady selling flowers
wore a bright floral dress
with a gathered skirt,
as she wrapped your roses.

And somewhere poppies
bright as the sun
bloomed wild
along the roadside.

1987