the rose upon the window
lay there wishing for the snow
she couldn't stand the cliche
or the way she had to grow
the dreams of being purple
always squelched when comes the spring
a restful peace consumed her
when the winter winds would sing
a petal can be lifted
far beyond a seeded fall
breezes sent her autumn bound
soar: high-wise-proud-free-tall
landed in the tousled leaves
he was snoring in the barn
slept off last nights whiskey brawl
built on castles spun of yarns
his breath was kind of putrid
her aroma wafted sweet
his fingertips touched velvet
past the straw, a mercy seat
she could not join his dying
though her own was drawing near
but she didn't budge to leave him
not for guilt or pain or fear
they found a tiny moment
past the prejudice of pride
they grew a little closer
before either one could hide
both felt a little warmer
and could see a little hope
the rose became a garden
and the man found strength to cope