October Rose

October Rose

I sauntered along the border

of the shimmering parking lot,

past shiny-leafed plants laden

with day-long drizzle.

 

I lingered in October rain,

admired the quench

of leaves surrounding a

show of pink roses.

 

I’m still warm from lunch—

basking in time with an old friend

from thirty years gone by.

Our hearts unfurled and opened.

 

These delicate petals remind me

of our youthful days.

All these years later,

friendship can still be found in the folds

 

and bloom sweet promise

in the autumn of our lives.

 

 

(Photo by Sharon A Gibbs)