Bryan D. Cook
Just in Time
Guys forget, as they always do, to celebrate Mother’s or Valentine’s days. Christmas and perhaps even weddings are memorable but not those pesky promotions to open tight wallets. Confectioners, bakers, chocolatiers, and restaurants rely on this trade to survive, and the flower growers have been forcing their buds to bloom just in time.
Noon. A child asks innocently, “What about Mum today?” and the panic’s on. Sold-out florists and grocery stores. Harried grabbing of exorbitantly priced blooms from roadside vendors. Lucky to find a $20 rose. Booking the most expensive gourmet dining at the only place left in town.
Sipping the last of her champagne, she smiles sweetly yet knowingly, “I love you!” and plants a big kiss. All’s well until next time.
at midnight
her hothouse rose
begins to wilt
About the Author
Bryan D. Cook is an alumnus of Sheffield and McGill Universities and retired from directing Canada’s energy science and technology. He now pursues interests in Canadian history, genealogy and genetics, fishing, gardening, poetry, and fine woodworking. Bryan is mentored through Ottawa’s TREE Reading Series and the KaDo Haiku and Tanka Society. He won the 2019 Genjuan Haibun international competition.