this rose has the strength
of love
delicate
to the touch
soft and pliant
yet her scent
stirs the memory
endures beyond
a momentary flowering
the dew in her eye
gives hope
from now on
each rose in my garden
I pick for you
it is yours to keep
for a lasting peace
for the scent of love
Persian women
may the petals unfold
in your lives
may your children bloom
Fiona McIlroy
© Fiona McIlroy 2014, all rights reserved.
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