The Rose
Long ago I lived like a Gypsy
moving to the sights and sounds
of my desires and illusions
as I painted my shared heart in red passion
which held me captive in a realm of my own making
Like that of a chilly Valentine night in 1986
when the North winds
blew hard enough to bend palm trees
like tall grass dancing in the dark
I came to her door with a single rose
hurried expectations and a dreamer's wish
She answered with a quiet smile of warmth
as she reached for my hand and my gift
of a single rose
before leading me to a long curved staircase
that led up to a dim-lit hallway
my eyes were captivated by her hair
bouncing upon her shoulders
and the rendered shadows that clung to her back
as she rushed us to her room of webs and scents
where candles were already lit and melting
Gato Barberi's Europa was playing in the background
in a continuous loop...
Could that this memory invite me
whenever I hear "Happy Valentine"
I hold onto this memory
yet, wonder if she held onto the rose
1/1/22
contest Be Mine
sponsor Regina McIntosh
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