The vase threw great shadows
   as I carried it in the door,
   shadows cut from rose quartz,

   shadow petals spread
   carnation across the room.
   It made her smile until she fell asleep,

   again, forever.
   Carnation fades like
   the shadow petals falling.

   What is it about white linoleum
   and flourescent tubes behind pebbled plastic covers
   that makes so evident the futility of flowers?