The Last Rose of Summer

By Dave Thompson

Kenai, Alaska

The thunder rolls in tempo on this September day

Signaling the Autumn as Summer fades away

The garden plot stands browning, Ragosa hips drip rain

But looky there don’t you see a rose bud once again

Next mid-day sun bursts forth pink petals to full bloom

A honey bee alights to reap its nectar soon

By chance I caught its beauty in a melancholy way

Oh last rose of Summer can’t you forever stay

I’ll coddle and protect you, guard your every move

But Autumn frosts are coming, driving rain you’ll disapprove

So linger in the sunshine as you blush throughout the day

Oh last rose of Summer can’t you forever stay

Last night the wind blew fiercely pelting rain upon my door

I thought of you a moment and the storm you must endure

Upon my early rising outside twas very plain

Your petals were dismembered by Autumn wind and rain

Alas you join the others as your fragrance drifts away

You’re my melancholy rose this late September day