Notes About The Poem

A Bouquet of Flowers

***

                I saw a bouquet of flowers.
                 Hung on a tattered door.
              The old house where it hung,
          was decaying, dwindling and worn.

          If a house could whisper its story,
          It would utter a lifetime of trials.
              A young, newlywed couple,
           shall face the unknowns of life.

          The first chapter of their lives began.
        The moment they step through the door,
           In love, they'll walk hand in hand.
                Placing faith and hope in God.

          God blessed them with ten children.
        Within these walls, laughter and life.
            The house was filled with love
       But with life, there were some heartaches.
 
            Sickness struck the youngest child.
                And God did call her home.
           In tears, they clung to each other.
               Placing faith and hope in God.

        Years have passed, the children are grown.
               They have children of their own.
                 Once, a newlywed couple, 
               now celebrating their 50th.

              Now, in their late nineties,
              Their love is very strong.
        Sick and frail, they lay side by side, 
             Their memories began to fade. 

       They placed their faith and hope in God.
             Holding hands in eternal love.
          They walked across the threshold.
              Of heaven's golden shore.
 
                            3/25-26/22 

           A BRIAN STRAND 1097 Poetry Contest
             Sponsor:  Brian Strand 3/27/22
                            ~ 1st ~

           ~ When you see a wreath or flowers on a door,
       it’s also a way to show the community that the
   family is in mourning. This could encourage neighbors
        and family to bring forms of support~
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Peck Avatar
April 11, 2022 at 9:19 AM
That's what the custom was in the past - a bouquet of flowers on the door of those mourning. It was a lovely token of love. Your poem reminds us beautifully :)
Foster Avatar
April 9, 2022 at 8:29 AM
I am getting married in a few weeks... This was a lovely poem of hope... Thank you ... Enjoyed... Ann
Rodrigues Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 4:14 PM
Nice!
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 5:38 PM
Thanks, Kim, for your words of encouragement. Blessings ~ Debra
Buhagiar Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 1:32 AM
Sorry, dear Debra, for missing some of your poems but I had terrible eye problems. Better now. Loved your story though a bit sad. Still best for a win.
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 10:46 AM
I'm sorry Victor you've been having some problems. Thank you for your encouragement. Prayers & Hugs ~ Debra
Alex Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 9:40 PM
Great story, indeed! Congratulations!
Brown Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 10:47 AM
Thank you, Christuraj, for your words of encouragement. Blessings ~ Debra
Leffanta Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 11:53 AM
Ah, those were the days! My mother was one of ten, and their home still stands although all are history now. Enjoyed!
Brown Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 12:05 PM
Hi! Rico, I enjoyed your comment. It was common to have a lot of children back in the 18 and early 19 hundreds. Happy you enjoyed the poem. Blessings ~ Debra
Dietrich Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 9:29 AM
I agree with the others who commented. this is SO touching. Very nicely written, Debra.
Brown Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 12:06 PM
Thank you, Andrea, for your words of encouragement. Blessings ~ Debra
Buehler Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 9:52 PM
Your touching poem tells the story of a loving family with beautiful words and images, Debra. Blessings, Evelyn
Brown Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 7:53 AM
Evelyn, I enjoyed your comment, thanks for stopping by and your words of encouragement. I'm always happy to see you. Blessings ~ Debra
George Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 9:50 PM
A very sweet and touching poem ! You have unraveled a scroll of family history and sweet and painful memories. Love the image of the newly wed, grown into an old adoring couple though infirm in body but stronger in love.... ! A lovely write dear Debra ! Hugs and blessings !
Brown Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 7:49 AM
Vasal, I enjoyed your comment. This poem came from the heart. When God is involved in someone's life, there's always love. Hugs and blessings ~ Debra
Wolf Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 9:00 PM
This is most poignantly penned... And I really love that you gave this fortunate couple ten children. Love it! The more, the merrier, I say! (Secret: I wanted 10, but I was divorced - out of production for 8 of the best years of my life. So I only have four... for whom I'm very grateful. Don't get me wrong. Still,...). ~ Cheaper by the Dozen
Brown Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 7:40 AM
Gershon, When I saw the picture, it reminded me of my family in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. When I was young, I can remember that's how families and neighbors would communicate with flowers on the door when there was a death. They all had large families. To them, it was God and family, and in that order. I can see why you would want a large family, as they felt the same way. I enjoyed your comment. Blessings ~ Debra
Baker Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 2:29 PM
Heart-touching poem, Debra. Good information shared, thank you. We must all be exposed to joy and sadness. Jesus showed us the way to handle them both. Thanks for sharing through your lovely poetry, Debra, my friend. Smiles ~ Blessings, Bill
Brown Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 4:55 PM
Thank you, Bill for taking the time to read and comment. Blessings ~ Debra
Allison Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 2:06 PM
what a thoughtful gesture to have flowers on the door, a touching poem indeed Debra:-) xx
Brown Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 5:28 PM
Placing wreaths on the door started back in the Victorian era. Thanks for your comment, Jan. Blessings ~ Debra
Poet Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 2:04 PM
Debra, what a wonderful yet tragic tale. Appearances are not always accurate; occasionally, just as we might discover hate and grief behind golden-built doors, we can find love behind rotting rusty ones.
Brown Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Sotto, your so right looks can be deceiving. I enjoyed your comment. Blessings ~ Debra
Cunningham Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 1:07 PM
An interesting verse Debra, what a nice thing to do to let others know that you're in mourning. Hope you're having a lovely weekend. Tom
Brown Avatar
March 26, 2022 at 5:35 PM
Tom, thanks for your comment, Tom enjoy the rest of your weekend. Blessings ~ Debra
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