The Rose Upon the Rubbish Heap

That rose upon the rubbish heap
What stories does it tell
Of broken promises, shattered dreams
Of muted wedding bells.

Not long ago that very rose
Was fresh and soft and new
And words of love did make it glow
Like shining drops of dew.

As I took it from your outstretched hand
What visions did I see
Two people in a haze of joy
It was you and me, you and me, you and me.

I kept it, wrapped in cellophane
Where no one else would see
Years from now it'll be there still
For you and me, you and me, you and me.

Then it happened - your promises died
Your love was proved untrue
And with that rose I threw away
the dreams I'd dreamt with you.

Now it's in the garbage can
with tea leaves and bits of paper -
Tomorrow they'll take it away
for it is mine no longer.

The petals greyed, the leaves gone
Only the thorns are seen
Is this what it looks like,
the ending of a dream?

That rose upon the rubbish heap
What stories does it tell
Of broken promises, shattered dreams
Of muted wedding bells.