A drone with an idle life. A clone,
a robot, a Stepford wife. How could
something once so vibrant fade away?
Where's my inquisitive wonderer
whose questions would never stay?
How could you become so dull with
nothing to say? Swollen-shut lids
hide those once bright eyes--
swollen not from fists, but from
excessive cries. Loss of your
abundant pride and it's like you
don't even exist anymore. Once
luscious rose petals now barely
intact, struggling to survive the
constant attacks. Sneak to the
window and drink up the sun,
stealthily gain strength before
you're done. Escape the turpitudes,
the abusive attitudes. Extirpate
that strength, and pride, that
fortitude that I passed on to you
that you've buried so deep inside.
And come home, my sweet, endearing,
still beautiful rose. We love you.

Rosemary Oliver