FALL ROSE

I picked a rather tight stem in the afternoon yesterday.

It was the only one left in the garden.
The other blooms had opened, gloriously, to the end of summer and autumn's heat.
Their petals will soon be drifting in the breeze with crispy leaves.

I could have easily missed this bud;
low as she was in the bush.
But I heard her sultry whisper, "pssst".
I think this fall rose wanted company.

Today, now...early, before even a glimpse of sunlight,
so much like a birthing woman, 
labor has started.

The unfurling is underway, 
soon, she'll be fully crowned, 
bringing into the world 
a sacred return, and completion 
of this season's garden.