Flight of the Rose

Flight of the Rose

Soft petals of pale pink rose, 
Each engraved in eulogy,
Rise on the white wings of dawn,
Take flight over calm waters
Lapping at the line 
Dividing land’s end and endless sea,
To shoulder tears
In intervals of benediction’s breath

Reflections of a full bloom –
Courageous warrior and woman -
In final surrender
To the invading army that overwhelms
A single soul in the dark calyx of fading night
Rose, alone with only shallow breaths
To caress her hand
To prepare for her last flight.

Sea scented morning
Gives wings requiem 
To chant the sojourn’s odyssey,
A solo elegy sung
By one voice as the four winds
Gather four seas 
And fleeting four seasons
Into resurrection past the good fight.

6-16-22
Contest: Flight 2
Sponsor:  Chantelle Anne Cooke

Based on a true story told to me by a hospice nurse friend who tended a dying woman, alone.  She was so touched in grieving she went to the ocean and scattered rose petals in the woman’s memory – her final flight into Heaven’s caress.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Alex Avatar
June 25, 2022 at 1:33 AM
Exceptional flight. Great imagination. Congratulations!
Kauffman Avatar
June 27, 2022 at 10:24 AM
Thank you so much Chris. Somehow I just had to give tribute to the beautiful story of my friend, the hospice nurse, who sent her friend off with rose petals airborne over the ocean. Sending you airborne blessings!
Ashley Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 8:01 PM
My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, how beautifully your tender poem unfolds like unfurling petals. A "pale pink rose" rising "on the white wings of dawn".. so symbolic of grace, gentleness and joy in the pure embrace of Eternity. I adore your use of "one voice as the four winds, gather of four seas, and fleeting four seasons", your exquisite imagery weaves a moving tapestry of emotional and spiritual elegance that resonates deeply within my heart. Congratulations for your excellent win in Chantelle's contest. Warmest wishes and hugs sent to you, my sweet friend, on sea scented breezes.. ~Susan
Kauffman Avatar
June 27, 2022 at 10:37 AM
My Dearest Rhyme Time friend, my spirit rises on the breath of your beautiful words, the grace of their eloquence into realms of joy. Many, many thanks for your congratulations they give my spirit flight into realms of sincerest appreciation. I hadn't thought about the story entwined in a poetic tapestry and think of the beautiful medieval tapestries I have have seen that tell a story. Your imagery, as in your poems, is so stunning! Thank you for walking this seashore with me to share in the tides of grief and the beauty of this simple act of remembrance! Sending you blessings, and warm hugs, on sweet scented rose petals poetry sis!
Peck Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 12:25 PM
That's so poignant and beautiful, Sam ~ more so because it's true. I love your last four lines especially. Congratulations!
Kauffman Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 2:33 PM
Ann, I am so grateful for your note of congratulations! Thank you. When my friend told me the story I had a hard time keeping the tears at bay and knew I had to share the story to honor this act of compassion that deeply touched, and still lives, in my heart! There are so many unsung stories of mercy. I hope this one will spur other people to action -tell their stories. I believe we can change this climate of chaos with simple actions of love. Take care my friend! Blessings! :D
Goldsmith Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 12:07 PM
Congratulations on this win. A wonderful tribute to your hospice nurse friend. I hope you gave her a copy. Framed would be nice. So sad, so many have no one when they die. Enjoy your win/day with blessings...........
Kauffman Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 2:08 PM
Thank you dear heart. Your thoughts and mine seem to be living in the same house! I wanted to give this to my friend and I like the idea of the frame! She is very special with a special gift as the foundation of her ministry. Blessings! Have a great weekend!
Poet Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 11:54 AM
A fantastic writing, Sam. I want to offer my sincere congratulations on your well-earned win.
Kauffman Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 2:05 PM
Thank you so much Lasaad! I sincerely appreciate your note of congratulations! Many thanks. There are many in this world who have no one but there are many in this world who live in the grace of compassion who seek out the ones who are alone. Sending you many blessings!
Eslinger Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 5:32 AM
I wrote two expounding comments eaten when I pressed delete to fix spellcheck’s Chang my Friend to Fire. Aaargh! You are a metaphor master with an obvious love of our language. Blessings of inspiration…
Canerdy Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 7:10 AM
"White wings of dawn," "benediction's breath," "solo elegy sung"--vividly expressive, touching descriptions in a masterpiece, Sam! Janice
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 10:18 AM
Janice, many thanks! I am deeply touched by your message. Thank you! It was an honor to be trusted with this story and I so hoped that I could give it the justice it was due. Thank you for your affirming words. Sending you blessings!
Proxenos Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 11:14 PM
It must be very hard for hospice workers who get so attached to their terminal patient as if they have known them forever. Great write my good friend hugs and blessings Jennifer
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 10:14 AM
Greetings Jennifer! Your assessment is right on and so correct. The memory of this woman has stayed with my friend. I feel so honored that she shared it with me and allowed me to write about it. Thank you for your lovely note. I so appreciate it. Sending you blessings on white wings of joy! Hugs!
Faulkner Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 11:18 AM
What a lovely and touching story, Sam, you have caught that feeling of tender goodbye so well~
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 10:11 AM
Michelle, many, many thanks! I like the way you encapsulated this theme of saying good-bye with the tender compassion of my friend. I felt so strongly that this story needed to have wings - to take this simple act of compassion and let it touch the heart of other people. Sending you blessings!
Seeker Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 8:44 AM
An amazing write, Sam. Good luck for the contest
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 10:06 AM
Thank you so much Seeker! I so strongly felt this story had to be told. While sad, the actions of my friend deeply touched me with their love and compassion. Sending you blessings on white wings!
Trifiatis Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 5:00 AM
A poem that stretches the wings of the soul and makes it fly high into the heavens of poetry's beauty, my dearest friend, Sam. A fave. God bless you!
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Thank you so much Demetrios! I am deeply honored by your fav! Grateful indeed. This story touched something very deep inside of my spirit. I wanted to give it wings to touch others. Thank you for flying with me dear friend. Sending you blessings on the white wings of dawn. Hope you are doing well.
Chies Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 12:33 AM
beautiful, sad and very well done, congratulations!
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 9:58 AM
Thank you Marco! It is a sad story. It is only love that raises it from the dust of grief to a place of consolation. Hope you are well. All the best!
George Avatar
June 16, 2022 at 9:27 PM
Wonderful metaphoric poem, Sam. I am deeply impressed by your poetic ability. 'A single soul in the dark calyx of fading night Rose, alone with only shallow breaths To caress her hand To prepare for her last flight'.... What a thoughtful act. We too won't have any company in the tough hours of taking our last breath.....! Will a kindly soul come with rose flowers to lay on our grave?
Kauffman Avatar
June 20, 2022 at 9:54 AM
Thank you so much Valsa! I am deeply honored. I was so taken by my friend's story that I had to put into a poem. My friend is a hospice nurse - a very special person who has been the face and touch of love to so many. You ask a very important question. I pray that everyone has someone who will lay a rose on their grave. Blessings dear friend!
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