the last rose of summer

so long ago

but, she can't forget

he cared

crying, rejected, alone

wanting to fit in

to belong

teased

"look, she still wears an undershirt"

the girl was flat chested

and didn't want that distinction

her daddy tried to console

"the last rose of summer is the most beautiful rose of all"

his caring comforted

so now she gathers

the last roses of summer

astounded by their beauty

always to remember

he cared

...