Rose and Me

She, like a pink Garnet or rubies, has attracted me, Her, as my playmate of childhood, all around I could see; Amid dahlia, daisy, cosmos, crocus, phlox, rue, and pinks, She has pervaded my garden as queen above all jinks...! She was my finest gift to sweet Jesus on the altar, Present to my first school teacher who never did falter; She has witnessed my first love and me so sweetly flirting, Though darling mine, like a sphere, pierced and left me hurting...! Rose- scent ever outwits the sweet Ethiopian myrrh, Or frankincense of Omen that makes anyone's moods stir; Though to any friend or foe, I great benignly gift her, To my parents, on their coffins, I could not just offer...! Roses gifted by my wife and children, dead, still remain, Though faded, they fill my casket, always evoking pain...! 17 November 2021 Rose Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Robert James Liguori