The Black Rose**
I moved in with my aging dad
I said the garden needs attention
He said do what you want
BUT don’t kill the black rose.
In the front of my yard
Under the window of my bedroom
Thrives an old black rose
Inherited from my Grandmother.
The rose has a history once living with Grandmother
Enjoyed life in her beautifully expansive garden
But mother sold Grandmother’s house
Dad rescued and planted it where it is.
Each year in July I prune it
Cut it back, feed it, speak kindly to it
It responses with magnificent blooms
Rich deep reds giving the black appearance.
It gives off the luxurious scent
Of rose water, of Turkish delight
The flowers are beautiful
I swim in the aroma.
When my dad died it responded
A beautiful bloom on his funeral day
The perfect shape it lingered
In its magnificence just for him.
** The Black Rose as such does not exist in nature but rather it is the deep reds that have given it this name……when I photograph mine it always appears much more red than in nature as its always a deep velvet red…..
Written for: http://www.adashofsunny.com/prompt-nights-take-time-out-and-stop-to-smell-the-roses-17/
Morpethroad 
A beautiful tribute to this special rose and the part it plays in your family’s life. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you Elle I appreciate you stopping by and for your comment.
Some things in life really seem to absorb the essence of a person – as this beautiful rose seems to and i sense will continue
So very true Jae, thanks for stopping by….I’m hoping it has many more productive years..
love this rose with a history…beautiful…
Thank you Sumana, very much appreciate you commenting.
I love roses. My son bought me one for mother’s day three years ago. It’s surviving despite my neglect. Sadly it has no perfume. I shall feed it and prune it in a week or two and buy it a companion so it will no longer be lonely. A Double Delight, I think.
Good idea though mine has been alone a very long time but it gets a lot of attention and yes they are very hardy..
What a wonderful heirloom passed on down to you so that you have the touch of your forebears with you still.
Yes that sight it’s a lovely reminder of my grandmother. Thanks for stopping by.
Such a beautiful rendition of the black rose Michael 🙂 I love the reference to its history and background making it all the more precious. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support ❤❤
Lots of love,
Sanaa
My pleasure Sanaa.
I love the connection between the rose and its people, the way you relate to it and how it answers to the attention. And the last rose it gifted your grandfather is just miraculous… and so touching.
Thank you Magaly always appreciate you stopping by. Have a great weekend.
You too, Michael. 🙂
“It gives off the luxurious scent
Of rose water, of Turkish delight” wonderful description and such a warm, tender story about your dad
Thank you Debi your words are very much appreciated.
Very touching, Michael. A special rose just full of meaning. Enjoy your garden.
Thanks Victoria, my garden never stops amazing me….
This is beautiful, Michael. You and your father were/are good sons to be so protective of something that his mother/your grandmother held dear. The rose is indeed gorgeous 🌹
Yes it is Mandy, only special people ever get to see it….🌹
I’ve used the word “beautiful” a lot with regard to this prompt…guess it is just my automatic response to Roses….and your story is “magically beautiful” I hope she continues to bloom for you XXX
Thank you Georgina I hope so too…next month I shall prune it and then watch it thrive….
Such a moving poem, Michael. I too hope that your grandmother’s rose continues to bloom for you, with all the attention you devote to her. x
Thank you Freya it thrives on a yearly prune back and saying good things to it……and it’s a lovely link to my past…thanks again for stopping by, hope you are keeping well.😄
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Beautiful in itself, and as a symbol of family love. And a lovely story you tell.
Thank you Rosemary I appreciate your very kind words…
A Beautiful story….it’s a blessing I think….lovely poem!
Thanks so much for stopping by and your lovely comment.
How wonderful that the roses were rescued, to bloom again. Wonderful remembrances of the roses and your dad.
Thank you so much, lovely you could stop by.
You’re most welcome. Wishing you a great week and weekend ahead. 🙂
This precious story of a rose and its generational appreciation and meaning touches my heart. What a beautiful gift to have it bloom for your father Lovely
Thank you Susie, appreciate you stopping by.