Notes About The Poem

When Mom died, twice I smelled the scent of roses where there shouldn't have been and had never been before. The second time, I put my hand on my chest and whispered, " mom...?"

Fulcrum of a Rose

Line of inquiry: track where lies the fulcrum of the fragrance of a rose, then likewise find within, your soul —Unseeking Seeker Contest

Fulcrum of a Rose

pinwheel spinning
   reds, pinks, whites, butters
      I found the garden’s rest in
peace  s i g n
      a spray, spewed across this holder
         of breath
letting  g o
                  the mailbox painted army green
         underneath my nose
I know     no more     no less
     than lessons  l e a r n e d
with win some whiffs
                   does it pass the sniff test…
I’d like to find delightful the  p r i c k i n g
   of my nostrils, the inducement of petals
at first velvety soft
                              their perfumes
            make my heart bleed
my uncle’s in a green suit, laid out
   with just one truck punch, and it lingers
his scent, his lack of smile, the coldness of
                     the hand I touched -
he’s asleep…he didn’t move a finger
                  f r a g i l e
youth forever bathed in rose-scented water

a single red rose fought for his life in the snow

the scent lingers in
                                the leftover towers
                                                                I’m adept

in such ghostly afterglow
                                          my husband knows
     I prefer                T U L I P S
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Poet Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Kim, Congratulations on winning this contest with a great poem with blooming metaphors, which ends beautifully.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
I so appreciate you, dear poet!
Guptar Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Congratulations poet friend on your win in this contest with a beautiful poem with flowery imagery, ending with a frank twist. Wishing you a lovely day.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Thank you, my friend!
Brul Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 9:39 AM
I love the delicate flow of imagery in this sublime poem. Congratulations dear Kim This is a FAVE! Stay prolific.^___^ JCB
Rodrigues Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 9:53 AM
I appreciate that fave! Thank you, JCB!
Hind Avatar
June 14, 2025 at 7:48 PM
This is like the second time I got deja vu with one of your poems. This is beyond beautiful or even breathtaking, dear Kim. You are so gifted- so many hugs your way! Thank you for sharing your writing.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 23, 2025 at 9:08 AM
You help me so much in confidence. I appreciate your poetry friendship so much!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
June 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
wow! impressive poetry and response to the contest. I'm sure you'll place, if not win. You inspired me. Best wishes with the contest yellow rose
Rodrigues Avatar
June 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Thank you! Best wishes!
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