The Last Rose of Summer
By Dave Thompson
Kenai, Alaska
The thunder rolls in tempo on this September day
Signaling the Autumn as Summer fades away
The garden plot stands browning, Ragosa hips drip rain
But looky there don’t you see a rose bud once again
Next mid-day sun bursts forth pink petals to full bloom
A honey bee alights to reap its nectar soon
By chance I caught its beauty in a melancholy way
Oh last rose of Summer can’t you forever stay
I’ll coddle and protect you, guard your every move
But Autumn frosts are coming, driving rain you’ll disapprove
So linger in the sunshine as you blush throughout the day
Oh last rose of Summer can’t you forever stay
Last night the wind blew fiercely pelting rain upon my door
I thought of you a moment and the storm you must endure
Upon my early rising outside twas very plain
Your petals were dismembered by Autumn wind and rain
Alas you join the others as your fragrance drifts away
You’re my melancholy rose this late September day
