Last Rose The last rose of the season Lay beneath her feet. As she lay upon the altar, In her never ending sleep. I stare into those glossy eyes, Those deep unmoving lips. As hatred fills me, up inside For that deep, unending rest. Why must you leave me now? Upon my greatest need. You were the source from with, I drew my strength to lead. Yet in deaths sweet embrace, Shall you finally find your peace. An end to the strife of war, And the pains of loss. With this thought, envy wells again. For better places you have found, Better places to lie and rest, And forget thee troubles abound. I close mine eyes, And pray to sweet Elidine That she may lead you forward And help thee with thy quest. I kneel, my head upon your breast, And turn my back to leave. I stride through open doors, Into battles eve. For tomorrow we shall ride, But tonight we shall rest. Yet, our enemies cannot wait this long, And come to murder us in sleep. I grab my sword, To bear to arm, what little else I can And run into the haunting night With only thoughts of you on hand I run to guard The room in which you lay. Yet before me stand five men to one Though I wasn’t so easy to slay. I fight them off As long, I can, But behind and around me they come Surrounding and punishing me. I shudder and gasp, Then fall to the ground. The five of them laugh, “Twas my last round.” Then off the five went, And left me alone. To die, upon the ground To think once again. I close my eyes to Elidine, Safe passage I ask for, with The knowledge that you are there, To spend our days together. I open my eyes and before me lay, The last rose of the season, It’s beauty and grace of yours alone. To Elidine my soul then drifts. To find you out among the stars, And never shall I find a reason To leave you once again. For you, the last rose of the season. Jim Aman