I found the box a year later, Still sealed beneath the sink. Two bulbs from your vacation— The one you lied about – you told me so. You said it was just Amsterdam, A gift you grabbed in town. But now I see her shadow In the petals and the brown. You spoke of fresh beginnings— But they were just your exit plan. Burning love and black tulips, Bulbs you gave with guilty hands. You said it meant new beginnings, But I see now it was your end. You buried them like secrets, In the dirt behind my back. Burning love and black tulips— No, I won’t be planting that. I held those gifts like promises, Like soil that might still grow. But roots don’t take in poisoned ground, And lies don’t need to show. You buried bulbs like secrets, While I watered them with faith. Now your garden’s just a graveyard For the love you chose to waste. You dressed it up in silence— But even dirt can’t hide the truth. Burning love and black tulips, Two for one and one for pain. You bought them for us both, But only one of us remained. I won’t grow what she was given, Won’t bloom in second place. Burning love and black tulips— You just lost your saving grace. There’s a fire in the hallway, There’s a chill beneath my skin. But I’m sweeping out your ashes, And I’m planting me again. Burning love and black tulips, I won’t cry for dying bulbs. I’ve got sunlight in my window, And I’m done with quiet gulps. You can keep your garden secrets, I’ve got storms that make me thrive. Burning love and black tulips— But baby, I survive.
