Anniversary Roses
They’ll fade soon, vigor
deserting them one at a time
to an afterlife of charred red. A few
more days of this purchased life,
then their frail necks will collapse
and we’ll gather the petals in a bowl.
Even today, bright with survival,
certain petals are ridged with darker red,
and one stem has begun a soft tilt.
But we stand together and watch
the living roses strain below
for water and above for sunlight,
blessing our vows with their color of blood.
(originally appeared in The 2River View)