Epilogue: White Flowers

(…)
“White Flowers”
[Reprise]

Flowers—flowers of white
Both wilting and blooming in the morning light
Over the bones of lovers, they grow—
Petals in a sigh fly to and fro
Amid the shadow of cemetery trees,
Like sails that flutter upon dreamed-of seas.

I recall your eyes amid the dying flowers.
I could have dreamt behind them for hours.
What became of that gaze that once I knew?
There is a pall there. I cannot see you.
Though there is such a sight as you to behold—
All I see is the flowers that wilt and unfold
Over lovers’ bones; hanging in sorrow, and in dew.

I wanted to wait for you there, but I cannot wait.
I turn to face the wreathed cemetery gate.
I must leave you now, amid the tombs
Wishing you happiness among the blooms.
Someday, I may find some similar, sacred land
Guided in safety by the shelter of another’s hand.
But this garden shall never be ours—
It is for you, and these are your flowers.

I pray the one who walks with you does not depart.
I pray they see in you what I saw in your heart.
When, in some distant time, you think of me anew,
I pray you will see my love was truly all for you.
But now, I release you…I release you into the garden
That my shadow no more shall darken.
Goodbye now, sweet friend…I leave you with what was ours—
I leave you with the blooming of these dying flowers.

© 2022 Marten Hoyle