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At my age flowers scare me.

— George Burns

Wilted stem and fresh apricot bloom in a low cracked vase, with drooping buds, leaves and fallen petals
Original artwork
Behind the line May contain spoilers.

Our reading

An editorial interpretation.

Flowers usually suggest a pleasant gift, but the reference to age gives them a darker possible association with funerals. The joke turns a familiar sign of affection into an unwelcome reminder of mortality. Its effect depends on leaving that connection for the listener to supply.

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