Notes About The Poem

When Her Roses Bloom

Rose petals floated in the dusty air.
A few landed at my feet as I sat weeping,
remembering the playful way she teased me
on the day she painted the old picket fence.

"It needs to be painted," she chided.
Fingers of a brisk March wind 
brushed through her hair. All I could do
was stare at her beauty, the blush of cheeks
much more lovely then her roses.

"My climbing roses are much too pretty
to rest upon this dreary old faded fence,
but I can do it all by myself."

She smiled and plucked one of her pink roses,
tipped it in white wash and presented it to me
with the most graceful curtsey I'd ever seen.

That rose had been drying on the mantle 
since that day, now brittle, gathering dust
and as hard as I tried not to touch,
when I held it, the petals fell, one by one.

She's been gone for too many years,
and through each one of them I've cried.
Today I white washed that fence again,
and when her roses come in to bloom
my heart will be consumed with the vision
of her smiling face and the gift of a rose, 
white washed by her gentle hand.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 12, 2017 at 11:07 AM
Such a gentle, loving memory this poem evokes, Lin. You did a wonderful job of making us feel the love and loss of someone dear to the heat. Pure poetry, dear. Love and hugs.
Lane Avatar
August 12, 2017 at 11:51 AM
Thanks very much, Freddie.
Tsitsikroni Avatar
August 9, 2017 at 9:08 AM
Poignant and wonderful. Well done.
Lane Avatar
August 12, 2017 at 3:31 AM
Thank you most sincerely, Klio.
Sivey Avatar
August 8, 2017 at 4:34 AM
Such a sad, but well constructed and brilliantly portrayed write my friend! I truly loved reading this exquisite poem this morning (I'm a little late in responding)! What a tremendous piece, such a, to borrow Greg's word below, melancholy but stunning poem, Great Work!!
Lane Avatar
August 8, 2017 at 5:25 AM
It's never too late, Russell. Thank you for finding this one and taking time to leave your kind comments.
Barden Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 10:50 PM
Oh, my, how wonderfully and exquisitely poignant, charming, whimsical, and melancholy, (all my favorite adjectives) ... the way you have translated her personality makes me want to know her - know more about her! It also reminds me SO clearly of sitting on my grandparents patio, watching my grandmother in her amazing garden, picking fresh flowers for the table, (as she did EVERY day) ... the fragrance, peaceful joy - oh, I miss those simple days so much! This is sublime, and I HAVE to fav it! <3
Lane Avatar
August 8, 2017 at 5:25 AM
I think your favorite adjectives are now mine. Thank you for so many wonderful remarks, Greg, and happy to know this brought you some tender nostalgic memories. ;-)
Bauer Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 5:02 PM
a poignant poem, lin, most beautifully rendered. i was able to picture it all so clearly and love the way you've told the story...
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 6:26 PM
I'm delighted that you saw it clearly, Ilene. Thanks.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 4:43 PM
A lovely story! Sentimental! Love it, Lin!
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 6:25 PM
Many thanks, Kim.
Allison Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 4:29 PM
Gosh the emotional ending brought a lump to my throat Lin such wonderful memories to be cherished forever:-) hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 6:25 PM
Thank you, my kind friend. ;-)
Smith Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 3:57 PM
What lovely memories anyone would be blessed to have. Beautifully written Dear Lin...
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 4:02 PM
Thank you very kindly for your comments, Charlie ;-)
Gentile Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 2:31 PM
That was really beautiful, Lin. Though lost for now, we will see those we love again, I believe. :)
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 3:43 PM
I believe we will, Mike. Thank you ever so much for liking this one.
Parker Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 1:50 PM
a cherished moment understood at the beginning of your poem, in the end, held tight yet gentle in its sad reflection
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 3:42 PM
You grasp the emotion in this one, Frederic, and your comments are so encouraging. Thanks so much.
May Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 12:58 PM
This beautiful write packs sad emotions Lin...Well penned...a fave...
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 3:41 PM
I appreciate your kind remarks, Joseph. Thank you.
Sands Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 12:51 PM
This is such a nice poem Lin. Very special. I agree with Tim..her memory does live on with the roses :)
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 3:41 PM
Thank you very much, Heidi.
Smith Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 12:27 PM
It is beautiful with a hint of sadness Lin. Her memory alive in the roses.
Lane Avatar
August 7, 2017 at 12:40 PM
Thank you, Tim. I could see it in my mind's eye as I typed.
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