I tied a ribbon ‘round the stem, A single rose, for you, my friend. Pressed it soft into your palm, Whispered, “Come back safe and strong.” You smiled and kissed my worried hands, Said, “It won’t be long, I’ll be back again.” But letters stopped, the lines went cold — Still I hold on to what I was told. Roses in the dirt, Roses in the rain, Carried by the hands of those Who may not come again. I gave you one to hold, Hoping you'd return, But if you fall, may roses bloom Where your blood has touched the earth. The war rolled on, the winters passed, I marked the days, each rose held fast. I watched the names carved into stone, But never saw the one I’d known. They say where soldiers lay so still, The ground will bloom against its will. And life will rise where death once stayed, Where roses drink what heroes gave. Roses in the dirt, Roses in the rain, Carried by the hands of those Who may not come again. I gave you one to hold, Hoping you'd return, But if you fall, may roses bloom Where your blood has touched the earth. I walked the fields where poppies sway, Asked every wind if you passed my way. If your hands can’t reach for mine, May roots embrace your resting spine. Two years have passed since cannons ceased, Two springs have bloomed without release. No word of you, no grave, no name — Still every morning feels the same. I place a rose upon my sill, The ribbon tied, the colors still. I wait and hope, though none believe, That one day you’ll come back to me. I tied a ribbon ‘round the stem… A single rose… for you, my friend…
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