Last Rose of Summer

It was the last rose of summer that he gave to her that day;
He plucked it from the garden as he pondered what to say;
He chose his words with love, and he chose his words with care,
He wanted it to be perfect, so his soul he laid out bare.
He thought about how she had made his dreams come true,
How they had had a good run, only a thorny spot or two.
He remembered how she'd comforted him, the day his Momma died;
She had stayed right there beside him when he hit the floor and cried.
He thought about their children, now grown and moved away;
He'd seen the love light in her eyes, as she watched them laugh and play.
He thought about the trip, when he'd taken her to Spain,
And how she'd gripped his hand as they climbed aboard the plane.
He had so many memories, little moments full of glee,
It was hard for him to sort them out and choose just two or three.
But he got down on his knees, took her hand beside the creek,
And this is what he said when it came time for him to speak:

“My Love I picked this flower, so pure and all alone,
It stood out from many others, its grace and beauty shone.
I could have picked another, but it wouldn't have been the same.
I chose it for its rarity, not for style or fame,
This was the brightest flower, of all the ones that grew.
It was the only one I could've picked, because it reminded me of you.
It is the last rose of summer, the bush won't bloom again,
Ahead is a long gray winter, so dreary and so plain.
Thank you for the color that you brought into my life;
For all the beautiful memories; for being a loving wife.
This rose pricked me when I cut it, but a little pain is alright;
It will help me to remember you, throughout this lonely night.
So I give this rose to you, to go with you on your way,
I'm sorry I can't come with you, but I'll see you soon I pray.”

He bowed his head and shed his tears after those words that he gave,
Then it was the last rose of summer that he placed upon her grave.
He waited till they'd buried her, in that plot beside the creek,
Then once more he hit his knees and chose these words to speak.

“Dear God you have my love, the beauty of my soul;
Her spirit comes to join you, her body goes in this hole.
I pray you'll watch over her, and keep her safe for me,
I know that she'll be watching, for an angel she'll surely be.
Let me feel her touch and hear her voice, when it rains and thunders,
And thank you, God, for letting me love the Last Rose of Summer."