Out of place on the steep bank
beyond revolving and tangled washing lines
alone a group of bright narcissi wave.

Framed by the kitchen window
Not quite Van Gogh's sunflowers
they are the only flowers in this still life.

You planted the bulbs when first we moved here
holding on to something of the garden
we once treasured- it was all our own work.

Fitly they bloom around your birthday
welcome as an unexpected smile
a little joyful spirit returning.