a kitchen bouquet

whatever was on the windowsill. a daisy that came up where the gutter drips. two marigolds left over from the borders. a sprig of thyme that had bolted, and three berries off a bush no one named.

it is wednesday and there is no occasion. the jam jar still smells faintly of plum. the bouquet stands on the kitchen table between the kettle and the morning bread. the cat watches from the window; the cat does not look at you.

it will last four days. you knew when you cut it.

field-note — the thyme will outlast the marigolds. it always does. you will keep the sprig long after the rest is in the bin.

see also: kitchen mint · a field bouquet · from the garden · the florist