Leftovers

She reminded me
of a lovely orchid corsage

accidentally forgotten
on the night of the dance

only to be discovered
the next morning
and briefly admired

after the excitement of the moment
had died and the petals turned
slightly brown.

Then forgotten again
behind a jar of mayonnaise
and baking soda.

Never to be pressed
between the pages
of a cherished diary

or included in the memory
of a special time.