A Gift for You

Originally written July 13, 2007.

Wilted petals fall from the once red rose
as the thorns pierce deeply into my hand.
I wrap it carefully in white tissue paper
and place it in a small red box.
He will find it on his doorstep tomorrow --
our anniversary -- along with a note:

          "A gift for you --
          Please handle it with care.
          With all the love
          that remains in my heart."