Forever Gone

In a bed of white silk

rests a delicate rose

plucked from the earth

too soon—

The pale pink petals, once

lively and pristine, have

grayed from death’s grip

upon his irresistible foe.

Wrinkled and cool are

the leaves along the stem,

where I held onto them

one final time—

A prayer, a song, and

a little farewell, as she’s

lowered . . .

forever gone.