Smothered Black Rose


Black rose,
your soul aerates
an ebony, sweet calamus fragrance
Paved over by concrete of regret ...
unharvested time lost, never again to get
Delicate black rose,
a beautiful flower died in the field of Goshen
Smothered by careless neglect ...
We who have ailing loved ones,
feel we have time enough yet
to mend those fences that are broken
But the petals fall to the ground when you least expect
Plucked from the garden of life
in her sleep peacefully ...
her tired body set free, released
from the bonds of her infirmities
I loved you,
even as I embraced your dying essence
Fearlessly you faced
the specter of death with grace
and dignity
I wished I had showed I loved you more,
and told you as much
People say how well I took care of you,
but I feel like I didn't do enough
But your forgiveness was more than enough
It revived me, and set my guilt free
Beautiful black rose,
you were a loving mother to me;
I remember well your tears of caring,
shed so unselfishly
Crying to God for the life of your children
Though you were dying, you hid your pain
from our eyes very well
We never could tell the agony behind the smile,
all the while, your flowering spirit
dispersed seeds of love to the last gasp
Timeless, blossoming black rose,
the deep roots of your loving memory comforts me ---
more than living hearts could ever know


This poem is dedicated to my late beloved mother, Barbara
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Coreggia Avatar
May 19, 2017 at 5:17 AM
You wrote her such a beautiful tribute! I am sure she knew what was in your heart:) Amitiés
Puddifoot Avatar
May 14, 2017 at 5:18 AM
such a heartfelt poem - one really feels the emotion in it - and good use of language to create vivid imagery; i can relate to your words...thank you for commenting on my work
Lane Avatar
May 13, 2017 at 9:11 AM
Your mother knew exactly how much you loved her. No words are needed for a mother to feel it in each and every little thing her children do for her. A smile, and time spent with her revealed to your mom what was in your heart.
Downing  Avatar
May 12, 2017 at 7:23 PM
Awe, what a sweet memoriam for your mother. Beautifully hearttouching... I love it :)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace