Black Locust

when she says the name

I say, "black lotus?"

I don't know what a black locust

could look like.

I imagine something ugly

or deformed

but it's the towering tree with

green leaves and more green leaves, like they're unfolding before me

she says the fragrance makes her go "mmm."

the black locust is far

but also close

and I suddenly want to hold your texts in a fistful to my chest.

from the tree's point of view

we are small

potting dark, dried lily bulbs

hoping they will flower