A Single White Rose
Sweeping pristine valley
Nestled midst the pine and birch
Down a dusty road less traveled
Sits an old abandoned church

Years of neglect embrace this sanctuary
Like the arms of the aging willow
Clinging to the roof
An elderly man, stands lost in thought
In the cobwebs of his memory.
For he came here in his youth.

Bell and steeple still in tact
Carpet of shingles cover the ground
Heartily wearing its coat of time
Broken stain glass windows
Lure the sun's inviting shine.

From the corner of his eye
He sees a shadow slip inside
Within this Godly place of old
He breathes in years of dust and mold
Scattered benches, pulpit high
One or two old prayer books lie.

Emotion erupts to engulf his soul
Celestial chapel in days of old
Word of Gospel's echo spread
Church where he, and young bride wed.

Thru his shimmering veil of tears
Blinding flashing light appears
Vision of beauty,white satin and lace,
Cascading curls wisp side her face
She strikes a breathless pose
Clutching a family Bible
And a single white rose.

Reality consumes him as he rises to depart
Pieces of his past etched upon his heart
maze of visions, and confusion
His wife passed on for years
Miracle, dream , imagination
Or just a mere illusion.

Love, respect, grief and wonder
Open wounds, tears start to flow
Caressed by shrouds of disbelief
He smiles, looking down~~ he knows,
For there among the ruin and rubble
Lies a single fresh white rose.
© Eleanor Mae Kreps
Used with permission
All rights protected

Author’s footnote:
They say a white rose has a symbolic
meaning of innocence and purity.
It is able to captivate secret thought as well
as being a symbol of love stronger
than death and a messenger of "I love you still".


Thank you for visiting with me.
With Love and Hugs
Straight from my Heart
Joan 4-25-2012