Petals...

petals, embers of the rose

cast they be upon waters of the sea

their alluring fragrance flowing sweet

be they the nectar of the soulful heart 

from which memory shall not depart

each yet holds to blush and bloom

each from a vine of timeless creation

thorns tempered piercing no more

petals of what was and shall ever be

carried by the waters, the waters of the sea.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York