The last downsize.

[tectak]

There once I cut the dried, dead poles of summer’s dahlia flags

for me it's the extended sentence i think that feels a bit much.

my suggestion would be to take flags out and redo any grammar changes thats required.

There once I cut the dried, dead poles of summer dahlias.

the opening there still feels off but i have no idea how to deal with it.

Flag poles, billy....flag poles! Sorry about that. I STILL know what you mean!
Best,
Tectak