In The Name of the Rose

Red roses were her favourites, her name was also Rose.

And every year her husband sent them tied with pretty bows.

The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door.

The card said, "Be my love." like all the years before.

Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say,

"I love you more this year than the last year on this day.

My love for you will always grow with every passing year."

She knew this was the last time that the roses will appear.

She thought he ordered roses in advance before this day.

Her loving husband did not know that he would pass away.

He always liked to do things early, way before the time.

Then if he got too busy, everything would work out just fine.

She trimmed the stems and placed them in a very special vase.

Then set the vase besides the portrait of his smiling face.

She would sit for hours in her husband's favourite chair.

While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there.

A year went by and it was hard to live without her mate.

With loneliness and solitude, that has become her fate.

Then, the very hour, as on their special day before,

The doorbell rang, and there were roses sitting by her door.

She brought the roses in and just looked at them in shock.

Then went to get to the telephone, to call the florist's shop.

The owner answered, and she asked him if he would explain,

Why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away more than a year ago",

The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.

The flowers you received today were paid for in advance.

You husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to chance.

There is a standing order that I have on file down here,

And he has paid well in advance, you'll get them every year.

There is also another thing that I think you should know.

He wrote a special little card. He did this years ago.

Then should I ever find out that he's no longer here,

That's the card, that should be sent to you the following year."

She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears were flowing hard.

Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached for the card.

Inside the card, she saw that he has written her a note.

Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he wrote...

"Hello my love. I know it's been a year since I've been gone.

I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome.

I know it must be very lonely and the pain is very real.

For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel.

The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life.

I love you more than the words could say, you were the perfect wife."

"You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need.

I know its only been a year, but please try not to grieve.

I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears.

That is why, the roses will be sent to you for years.

When you get these roses, think of all the happiness

That we had shared together, and how both of us were blessed.

I have always loved you and I know I always will.

But my love, you must go on, you have some living still."

"The roses will come every year, and they will only stop

When the door is not answered, when the florist stops to knock.

He will come five times that day, in case you have gone out.

But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt

To take the roses to the place where I've instructed him.

And Place the roses, where we are, 

Together once again."