False Advertising

She was surprised when the bouquet arrived
The vase was not a fluted Waterford as she had hoped
But rather pottery plain, mere ceramic,
Exterior unremarkable despite its antiquity

Before her, nestled within weathered clay fired
Sprang a motley confusion of colorful blossoms
A sunburst of daisies entangled with snapdragons
A spray of baby's breath crowning daffodils

She inspected the arrangement, her scrutiny shifting
From container to contents, her mind swift in
Vacillation, first experiencing dismay at its state
Then disappointment then, finally, disallusionment

She had been guaranteed long-stemmed roses
Resplendent American Beauties, petals permeated
With the attar of romance, bearing a scent of love
Replete with the tacit pledge of yearning requited

Her hopes had risen to lofty heights as,
Unintentionally, she had invested her dreams into
Imagery evoked by her florist's artless passion
Breathless with anticipation, she had awaited delivery

With doorbell's chime her staccato heart soared saltatory
A flamenco thunder of excitement coursing her veins
Then suddenly, following appraisal lasting only an instant,
Like a carousel in terminal deceleration, all music stopped

And now, forsaking despair, it became necessary
To wield tact, diplomacy deft due the messenger
An admission, an admonishment, and a gentle reproach,
"I can't accept these flowers, they're not what I was promised."