Petals

She painted
flowers.
I used to visit
once a week
and there
she was
in front
of the easel
painting
a rose
or a dandelion
or an orchard.
Why not paint
something else?
I asked
on my last visit.
I like painting
flowers
she said.
They’re pretty
and besides
they never die.
I felt sorry
for her.
She was
beautiful
but like all
things beautiful
she was dying.