A white rose bends, its stem closer
to the table every day
its petals soft and open
going down with it.


The arrangement was full:
All whites, roses, lilies, baby's breath
large fronds and lush ferns for contrast.

A clean cut cool scent was evident.
"Only white", I said.
"Only white would do".

After the service my trembling hand
pulled loose two white roses from
the arrangement.

One was kissed and placed on
your coffin. The other poised in a
lonely vase.