Chrysanthemum Kiss

It was no secret that she was a flight risk

and would be true to none of us,

but under her balcony, we thirsted for a token.

She leaned back her head pressed fingers to lips, let go,

and sent a single kiss flying up into the night.

Each of us, expecting to be the lucky target, swung

our arms back like wings, raised our heads, and pointed

our lips skyward. At its apex, invisible, her kiss burst,

shattering our expectations but in the next moment

renewing our hopes as it gave rise to kisses

by the thousands. In seconds they vanished, not a peck

left, and she, seeking amusement elsewhere, disappeared

into the night, leaving us gaping and parched in her wake.