The streets are empty now, mourners have gone home
Lonely flower bouquets keeping each other company
Street lamps casting their lights as shadows roam
Here and there a few walk around drunkenly
What a lovely day it was full of laughter and hope
People milling around happily, sun shining through
A few shady characters trying to sell some dope
As I saw her coming down the street, my hope grew
She came with open arms and thousand roses bloomed
Her rosy cheeks and radiant smile filled my heart with joy
Never did I realized my love was to be short lived and doomed
In my imagination, she was more beautiful than Helen of Troy
Single red rose I offered she accepted with glee
Hand in hand we walked enjoying the day
Oblivious to the world around us, our spirits free
Ready to face the unknown future, come what may
When it came it came with a bang, no one expected
Peace was shattered, sun hid its face, the street exploded
Loud bang followed by deadly silence was all that remained
Blood and bones scattered everywhere, as chaos reigned
Amidst the ruins I looked for my love, where my joy has gone
Stem of the red rose bereft of its petals was the only memento I found
Heart filled with grief, bracing myself to a pole, looked up at the setting sun
Red rose petals mixed with gold blazed like a crimson crown
This poem is in response to Jane Dougherty’s A Month (November) with Yeats Challenge day Seven
Fleeting Muse 