Our Petals Fall Gently

A fading rose,
edges crinkled
fragrance delicate
so softly wrinkled

A promise to fulfill
once again, as before
a sacred treasure
part of our earth

This is how we die
simply a letting go
back to where
we all belong

A fading rose
worn and wise
aged beautifully
sublime on the inside

Petals fall gently
perfume faint, light
subtly changing
from bold and bright

A promise to fulfill
once again, as before
a sacred treasure
part of our earth

we are born, we blossom
we love and are beloved
blissfully we meet our end
when life is possible no more



By Kathie Stehr


Dedicated to my Dad's memory, his ashes are scattered beneath the beautiful rose bushes of a lovely old church.