Discourse of a Rose

I found a book from long before
And thought to read the book once more.
The pages, yellowed, slightly torn;
The book well-read, now bent and worn.
And as I turned each page with care
I found a rose was lying there--
The symbol of a love repressed,
A rose between the pages pressed.
And still the rose was bloody red
While uttering the words unsaid.
The rose said all there was to say
So I left it for another day,
And placed the novel in the den
Until the rose should speak again.
The discourse of a bloody rose--
The one I picked; the one I chose.
And even now that flower grows
And sows whatever seeds it sows.

~M
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Clark Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 8:50 AM
lol would love to be a ghost writer but ive never seriously tried stories used to write them when i was a teen
Merrill Avatar
July 3, 2014 at 3:26 PM
Well, now you have life experience, so pick-up that pen! The world is waiting for the next great novel, poem or short story :)
Clark Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 12:59 AM
beautifully written it just flows with love and intrigue feeling a short story coming on
Merrill Avatar
June 29, 2014 at 3:03 AM
Hey, I hadn't thought of that. I could use a ghost writer...are you available ? lol
Goudreau Avatar
June 26, 2014 at 9:37 PM
A poignant story to this piece and yes the "rose" how much beauty lies within...very creative of you. It still lingers on my mind. Thank you for sharing!
Merrill Avatar
June 27, 2014 at 12:22 AM
Thank you for reading! I don't write these poems for me, so when someone like you takes the time to read--and appreciates what they've read, then the poet is glad to have contributed a verse. Happy to know you...xxx...Mel :)
Nance Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 10:35 PM
I can see your image so real in my mind like I am there doing this action., I am like you, it becomes real in my mind. Now I want to know all the details, what book was it in? how and why was it there? let me listen to the rose as it speaks to you my love,
Merrill Avatar
June 23, 2014 at 12:24 AM
Hey Cas. It says, "Move on, you idiot!" No, it's more romantic than that. I forgot how curious you are, silly. It could be any book, babe. It's what T.S. Eliot referred to as the "Objective Correlative." I'm glad it spoke to you, though, and that you could see all that you see. That's impressive. I would envy your imagination, but mine is as vivid as yours. Imagine...Mel :)
Horsman Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 7:44 AM
Wow i have read some amazing poems today,,,but this is something else,,,something so wonderful i think it will leave an impression on me long after writing this comment, truly a classic....
Merrill Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 2:08 PM
Thank you my friend. That's quite a comment--suitable for framing :) I'm very pleased you found this poem and liked it. You obviously appreciate the metaphor and subtext, and that's gratifying. I am honored that you took the time to read this, and that it spoke to you as it did. Makes writing seem worthwhile! Thank you again, Harry. Peace...Mel :)
Manassian Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 6:33 AM
Beautiful write, Mel.....I always read your work. Some things will always remain unspoken.... This is the way of life. The discourse of the body Rose must be enchanting.... The heart is as true interpreter.
Merrill Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 2:14 PM
Yes, Eileen. You're right. I am grateful to you for reading this--and my other writes--but this was in someway special, but you get that. A poet as gifted and astute as you will appreciate the deeper meaning of a poem like this. Thank you for the read and comment, my dear. I hope you are well. Smiles and hugs...mel :)
Allison Avatar
June 21, 2014 at 3:35 PM
Stunning as ever Mel with wonderful imagery. I really need to write a poem about a rose one day a wonderful image of love. last time i got red roses was when we got married - 23 years ago tomorrow! Hugs as ever Jan xxxx
Allison Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 2:13 AM
There are beautiful poems on the site about roses Mel i get my pleasure reading them. My favourite cut flowers are carnations so we will get some later in the day when we go out. Hugs as ever Jan xxx. I get fewer and fewer comments mel think its the holidays but if I get one i am happy:-) Jan xxx
Merrill Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 12:51 AM
My dear friend Jan. I may only get one comment, but I can count on you. Thank you for reading this slightly dark homage to love. I am glad you liked it. For some it will be too dark, but one can't please everyone. How sad that you haven't received roses in 23 years. If I could, I would send you a hundred :) Hugs...Mel :)
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