The Cardinal and the Rose

No deity on heaven and earth gave repose,
When each rose petal fell heavy like monsoon rain,
The day he abandoned his sweet fragrant Rose

Buried on unhallowed ground, on wanton rows,
With her unborn fatherless child, she was lain,
No deity on heaven and earth gave repose

Ardent promises made beneath smiling crows,
Like bright coloured rose petals drowned by dark grain,
The day he abandoned his sweet fragrant Rose

Below hanging baskets of Babylon, two hearts chose,
Their Garden of Eden where her true heart was slain,
No deity on heaven and earth gave repose

O' How he prayed, guilt stricken for the divine and his Rose, 
Giving out absolutions, his spiritual domain,
The day he abandoned his sweet fragrant Rose

Strolling past orchards, his holy regalia flows,
The rose petals wither promptly and bright hues abstain, 
No deity on heaven and earth gave repose,
The day he abandoned his sweet fragrant Rose

Date: 12/01/23

The Cardinal and the Rose Poetry Contest

Sponsor: Craig Cornish
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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

Peckham Avatar
March 31, 2023 at 4:53 PM
A beautiful, sad poem, filled with angst and a broken heart. The form is very well done. You do like to experiment with different types of forms, I see. I'm afraid I am not as adventurous. It touches the heart.
Clarke Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 2:20 PM
Thank you Barbara. I appreciate your encouraging comments. I really enjoy the challenge experimenting with different forms.
Kauffman Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Lines filled with sadness, regret, heartbreak and shame WJ. A lovely poem of poignant beauty. Congratulations on your win. Blessings to you.
Clarke Avatar
January 18, 2023 at 1:41 AM
Thank you very much Sam. Your encouraging comments mean a lot. Congratulations on your winning high placement.
Daniel Avatar
January 11, 2023 at 7:44 PM
Now this is a unique take on the contest theme, Clarke, hope it places high:)
Clarke Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 5:50 AM
Thanks Jo. I tend to go off the radar sometimes :-)
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