four days
the roses have gleamed
and glowed
in the vase on the dining
room table
there were occasional
sideward glances
but no real rose to eye
contact
no real eye to rose
recognition

as the anniversary
celebration faded
everyone forgot the
beauty of the smell
as they stopped and
smiled and smiled again

but the roses held their essence
the roses held their color
completely aware of their journey
knowing how to begin
how to disappear