I remember the first time
you gave me roses.
You told me that
you loved me
And that you would
always protect me.
The next time
you gave me roses
Was after a fight.
I guess you felt guilty
about the bruises
you left on my arms and face
Over the years I received roses from you.
Always in hopes of forgiveness
after a smack,
A punch or a push down the stairs.
The last time I got roses from you
Was the most special.
How beautiful they looked
As they glistened in the sun
As you as you gently placed
Them on my grave.
This poem, “Roses Say I Love You” is an excerpt from What Life Brings by Jewel Grant-Talle, a recently published book by Pens Up Press.