Heartflower

Sweet Flower of youth’s untimely passion,

budding in some hidden realm,

unknown by root or stock,

claimed by foreign hands and

grafted onto another genealogy.

I look for your fervent brown eyes in

children in the streets and magazine photographs.

The black hair that blazes in the sun like

raven’s wings and skin of creamy softness.

We name you “The hidden Rose”

and cherish your existence

from afar. Gift - given in

tears and bought at great price.

Loved in sorrow and pain -

You are loved by hearts that never saw

your smile and longed for by

hands that never held you.

Remember, our love for you was greater than

our selfish desire of possession...

so we yielded you to other arms and

other hearts.

But know, that on the journey of life, the

road you walk was given in love and

our love is forever with you.

You are the hidden rose and a rose is

just as sweet by any other name...