surrounded by lesser blooms

the tulip shows off its stripes

product of genetic defect

compounded by disease

conferring extreme value on its bulbs

those lesser blooms, sturdier

than hothouse flowers

may be inferior in monetary worth

but have sufficient brightness

to cast shadows on the elite blossom

heading the pack, a lone carnation

mimics the colours of the tulip

usurps its prime position, even now

the droop begins in petal and leaf

until still life becomes variegated death