The Flower Shop

Quietly they crept into the flower shop,
Eyes bright, feet hesitant.
All of four or five years old.
Glanced with interest at tigers, bears,
Dinosaurs and the big grey elephant.
Small fingers plucking greeting cards
Captured by colorful lions, dogs and cats.
Filed through the office and workroom
Peeking into and climbing onto the delivery van.
Entranced by the ancient old fountain
Noticing the pipes and bubbles in the algae water.
Experimenting with arranging carnations, alstromeria
And statice into colorful vases.
Munching on long pretzels and cheesy crackers before
Departing.

Loudly they came into the flower shop
Eyes bright, feet shuffling, confident.
The couple, 91 years young.
Husband and wife for 69 years in June.
Sending birthday flowers to the coast.
A special gift to make a friend smile.
A friend's birthday and the husband's birthday.
91 years young on this day in January.
Red, yellow, orange or variegated red and white carnation.
Wrapping the chosen red and white flower with festive satin ribbon.
Birthday hugs, smiles and thank yous
Before leaving on another errand.