October roses bloom rare and welcome-
rain-soaked and leaning
they droop top-heavy-
a pale pink reminder
of a fragrant offering given
as autumn unfolds
in cool wetness and colors warm.
And then they sleep in dormant bliss,
breathing out and breathing in
icy northern winds,
siphoning up nutrients through
a path of hungry roots-
the petal's blush
just a season and sunray away.
Claudia Lowery
Ocotber 11, 2009
