Eulogy for Birthday Roses

My beautiful bouquet of birthday roses

In rare shades of pink and tangerine,

Received at their peak of freshness with

Drops of water shimmering on their petals;

Each rosebud greeting me with good wishes,

Each bud opening to ultimate glory next day

I have loved you, cut back your stems anew,

Freshened your water, smelled your fragrance

Added the vision of you to my memories

That includes not many bouquets that I would cherish

You were special among special gifts

Your giver is special among my loved ones.

Last night you looked tired, a few with droopy heads.

I checked your water, rearranged your stems.

I talked to you with encouragement to live longer,

To break a Guiness record for rosebud lifespan.

Do not forsake me when I love you still so much.

Your perfection only to be repeated at my death

Alas! Today your heads are bowed in sad surrender

As Nature gives too short a time to live our dreams,

To fulfill ourselves, pleasure others, make our marks

Before we pass beyond the world we know

To something we hope will use our selves and souls

To create a better world for all of life to come.

You were of my life, my rosebud friends

I hope we’ll meet again.