Carolyn Devonshire Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

 

Anniversary

 

Garden

Anniversary Garden

January 24th
another delicate yellow rose bush I plant
next to 34 others, each a favor for Mom’s memory,
golden blooms of consolation
in the backyard garden, where her spirit dwells

“Has it been thirty-five years, Mom?”
decades of nonverbal communication leave an emptiness
I bend to sniff the roses’ dulcet fragrance
remembering the allure their scent had for her
on sunny days when she tended her plants

as I turn toward the back door of our old, family home
her voice I hear so clearly
“They’re beautiful, dear.”
quickly, I pivot, expecting to see her
but nothing, not even a mirage

“How many more years, Mom,
how many more roses till we reunite?”




*Written January 29, 2019
For Michelle Faulkner’s “Eight-Word Anniversary Contest”

♡Like0

Share 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

Sheri Fresonke Harper February 26, 2019 at 3:58 AM The garden sounds beautiful, Carolyn, I love yellow roses. This poem is a real winner, enjoyed reading it.

Line Gauthier February 25, 2019 at 10:58 PM How beautiful Carolyn - A FAVE for me - as I read it I picture myself with red geraniums, my mom's favorites. Congrats on your most deserving win.

Michelle Faulkner February 24, 2019 at 1:22 AM I have always loved yellow roses, this is a beautiful tribute to your mother's memory, congratulations on placing in my contest!

Anisha Dutta February 2, 2019 at 5:37 AM GREAT Carolyn. Poem has heavenly touch. I am moved with great admiration.

Rico Leffanta January 30, 2019 at 2:03 PM My daughter remembers her mother by planting yellow roses. Her mother remembered her mother by planting red roses. The path to heaven is more likely to be rose petals than streets of gold! Spring is just around the corner! Aloha! Rico Carolyn Devonshire January 30, 2019 at 3:29 PM White roses are thought to be gifts from the souls of loved ones. Indeed, my rose petals than gold may line the path to heaven! Thanks for reading, Rico.

Vijay Pandit January 30, 2019 at 7:20 AM That ending brings tears..a heartfelt write..well done, Carolyn.

Arthur Vaso January 29, 2019 at 7:06 PM This brought a tear to my eye, so beautiful.

Barbara Gorelick January 29, 2019 at 5:54 PM Hello old friend. Enjoyed your poem, you still got it my dear. BG

Ilene Bauer January 29, 2019 at 5:44 PM wow, what a touching way to remember your mom, carolyn! you've captured this very beautifully in this poem... Carolyn Devonshire January 29, 2019 at 6:19 PM Thanks for reading, Ilene. I've been missing both Mom and Dad a lot this month because of these anniversaries. For Dad it was just 10 years on January 6.