Home » Poems » Mel Merrill » Discourse of a Rose

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

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Julie Clark

Date: 6/30/2014 8:50:00 AM

lol would love to be a ghost writer but ive never seriously tried stories used to write them when i was a teen

Mel Merrill
Date: 7/3/2014 3:26:00 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 :)

Julie Clark

Date: 6/29/2014 12:59:00 AM

beautifully written it just flows with love and intrigue feeling a short story coming on

Mel Merrill
Date: 6/29/2014 3:03:00 AM

Hey, I hadn't thought of that. I could use a ghost writer...are you available ? lol

Suzanne C. Goudreau

Date: 6/26/2014 9:37:00 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!

Mel Merrill
Date: 6/27/2014 12:22:00 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 :)

Casarah Nance

Date: 6/22/2014 10:35:00 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,

Mel Merrill
Date: 6/23/2014 12:24:00 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 :)

Harry Horsman

Date: 6/22/2014 7:44:00 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....

Mel Merrill
Date: 6/22/2014 2:08:00 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 :)

Eileen Manassian

Date: 6/22/2014 6:33:00 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.

Mel Merrill
Date: 6/22/2014 2:14:00 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 :)

Jan Allison

Date: 6/21/2014 3:35:00 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

Jan Allison
Date: 6/22/2014 2:13:00 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

Mel Merrill
Date: 6/22/2014 12:51:00 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 :)