Faded Rose

Tenderly I gaze upon
Its petals limp and faded
Once a vibrant, ruby bloom
It’s withered now and jaded
Where has all her beauty gone?
The glory of her splendor
The petal where the dew-drop shone
When love was new and tender
Beneath the sun and wind and rain
She offered all her beauty
Withstood the tests of grief and pain
To love beyond all duty
But now she folds her petals wan
To rest where new life grows
And tenderly I gaze upon
The sad and faded rose

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Janet Martin