the flower shop

Zuzu was born today. Petals provided here, but not from peonies, maybe later. That is what she was aching to tell you. She has not conquered the english language. She sits and weeps quietly. Quiet as the rising sun. She'll never let anyone come close to her flowers. She's funny that way. Not Zazu Pitts funny, more a quirky misfit funny that's never lost in translation. Peonie petals are for tossing anyway. Like for celebrating a newborn. What you want are the cushioning type. Roses maybe. Bed for the newborn. A crib for Zuzu. No. Not Zay-Zoo, it's Zoo-Zoo. But goodnight, Zazu Pitts, wherever you are.

Peonies
William Merritt Chase, 1897