A Song of Michael's Rose

The cottage reeks with
fluid tides of hope,
incessantly commanding.
My baby’s here.
I’ve still no word 
coming down the line from Dover.
Winter’s gone...
Spring rains have come
and with it comes the tears all over.  
I weep again, my child it seems,
will never know her father. 

Today down by the spring
I prayed the prayer so often said,
sorrow turned desperation.
I found a ring left in the cup, since
yesterday laying there, scribed “M” 
upon a jeweled stone.
My heart leaped in
expectation.

I heard his voice inside my head,
where also his face I saw. 
I turned and looked... 
no one was there...
please God give me 
this one discretion.
There must be peace somewhere to find.  
I look but must be led
by your grace and mercy.  

Again at chores, the babe 
asleep, the knock came loudly.
A letter from Michael O’brian maam, 
please sign here for delivery.
I hurriedly skimmed, 
he was dead,
two days before,
of pneumonia.  

Our little Rose, still in my care,
to receive his name 
if she so chose
and all else he owned in Dover.
A ring for me
it seems was gone, 
a large garnet with the letter M
on the stone, had disappeared
completely.  

EPILOGUE:
	A seed was planted in winter,
	planted in sweetness of youth. 
	It was a gift from Michael.
	He left me alone in the spring---yet,
	his flower grew in my garden.
	Our error was human.
	First feeling trapped, then love,
	from this Rose in my life.
	Forgiveness is divine.
	Love is eternal.
                              

11 Jan 2011  Charles Henderson
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Dietrich Avatar
August 27, 2012 at 5:52 PM
wow, Charles, I see now why Debs chose to do HER copy cat poem on THIS One. You and she both have two stunning poems with this story originating from your creative mind!!
Haick Avatar
August 5, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Warm congratulations on your fantastic poems making it through to the First Rounds of PS's Intl. Contest, Charles! Well done! Love, Annalise
Sweetheart Avatar
August 5, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Congrats Charles on having all three entries make it to first round competition in PS contest.. G.L. luv..
Guzzi Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 8:25 PM
Majestic, touching HUMAN So happy to see you in the winners! with 2! Congrad's to my fav's and a 7. LIght & Love
Brumley Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Congrats on your two poems making the first cut Charles and good luck!
George   Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 4:02 AM
Superb writing Charles. Congratulations on making it through the first round and best wishes on making it to the Finals. Lainie
George   Avatar
July 12, 2011 at 8:18 PM
Very touching narrative, Charles. Elaine
Adeite Avatar
July 12, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Congrats on having your priceless poem featured this week. Keep your poetry pen dancing to the drumbeat of your poetry passion. Wishing many more features. Love to you always, Adeleke
Muzzey Avatar
July 12, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Congratulations Charles on being featured this week with this fabulous write. I enjoyed the read~ Caryl
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
July 11, 2011 at 8:13 PM
Congrats Charles on your narrative being featured. Vince
Sweetheart Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 6:29 PM
Congrats Charles on your featured poem this week on PS.. wonderful words luv..
Brown Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Congratulations on your poem being featured this week Charles. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
January 12, 2011 at 9:54 AM
Soup Mail, Charles. I think I understand now.
Devonshire Avatar
January 12, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Oh yes, I like the details you added to the story behind Michael's death, Charles. I was curious as to how the stone on his ring disappeared -- perhaps a spiritual sign from Michael himself. This is a beautiful poem, Charles. Love, Carolyn
Radke Avatar
January 11, 2011 at 4:06 PM
Ps. Forgot to rate. 7 is not enough.
Radke Avatar
January 11, 2011 at 4:05 PM
I weep. 10 plus. Bravo!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace