The Rose Tree

Thinking again about Valentine's Day lately caused me to remember another poem which Michael wrote for me for Valentine's Day in 2006.  It is called "The Rose Tree".  It is not a rhyming poem, so just enjoy the beauty of his words.  He gave each of the children a different rose tree and a pair of gardening gloves, then gave me one that was accompanied by the poem.  Pruning all of our roses was always my gardening job.  It made him nervous cutting back something that looked so beautiful and strong.  He would always be proud of me after I did it and then we would both be amazed at the miracle of the rose tree coming back from a hard pruning with more beauty, fullness and strength than it had before. Yesterday, I noticed a big, beautiful, red rose on the one he gave me.  I am going to cut it this afternoon and put it in a vase next to my bed, or maybe on the table next to my writing chair.  He told me that this plant would be a reminder of his love and its depth.... and that it is.

The Rose Tree

Oh the mind of man that he would set aside but one day 

To celebrate the greatest of them all

For without love, there is no faith

And without love, there is no hope

And roses cut will surely fade

But true love plants itself within the deep and fertile soil

Continually providing fragrant blooms

Through frost and dormant winter

And pruning it remains

Beyond the life of man upon the earth

So take and plant this tree as a reminder of my love

That's rooted deeper than the winter's blow

Though sometimes only thorns are seen

On barren sticks of brown

Forever, it will bear the fragrant rose

And when today has ended and the world puts love away

Tomorrow gaze upon this lovely tree

Remember that my love for you

Extends beyond this day

Deeply planted for all eternity