You were a child in a sense,

needing help to feed and grow.

Your tulip stem was breaking through the soil.

This week the sun hid behind clouds

and I wasn't there to water you.

You were right about to bloom

into colors of orange, yellow and pink.

I would be in awe of your newly acquired height.

You were going to look magnificent

and I was looking forward to seeing you.

You were eager to grow, but

now you are laying on your bed of soil.

Your stem has fallen, your petals have turned dull.

You may be gone, but now I can give some new

tulips a better life than I was able to give to you.