Tulips marched from the head of the table to the foot.

When we arrived their purple petals were clasped shut.

They sat in a ruler straight row on crisp linen.

The sunshine bleached the white linen and stainless steel to a spotless dazzle.

And the warmth of wine and food filled the room.

Two hours later the tulip heads had burst.

And my heart joined them and my stomach in joy.