Notes About The Poem

 Published in Divine Whine
        September, 2007

The same story as told in another form of poetry, "The Last Rosebud" - A triple Triolet

Countdown

Our hill was steep, red clay rock;
hardly anything thrived there.
Stubborn blossoms of meager size
bobbed on stems spindly and bare.

The green shoots struggled up 
thru last year's mulch and sticks,
to leaf and bud and then unfold
a crown of rosebuds, I counted six.

But lo, one morning, I came out
and found there, to my surprise,
one rose had vanished, poof,
now they numbered only five.

No tracks betrayed the thief,
revealing why the stem was bare.
Throughout the day, I kept watch
but of the culprit, saw not a hair.

Early next morn I sprang from bed
and rushed right out the door.
Oh, no - hungry beast was here
and left me roses numbering four.

Rain welcomed the following day.
Through the window, I could see-
a rose a day this creature needs.
Catching raindrops, thirsty three.

That night, planning to keep watch,
maybe whop him with my shoe;
I fell asleep and woke to find,
he'd done his deed and left me two.

With next day's dawn and rain gone,
sneaky thief came with the sun,
munched his breakfast on his own.
Lovely roses surviving, only one.

When night settled, I set the alarm,
awoke and rose at early dawn.
A tiny chipmunk of great charm
held a rose within his arms.

He sat there in the cutest pose,
nibbling on the last pink rose.
Throw my shoe, do you suppose?
No, I smiled and watched the show.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

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