avatarNjide Mkparu

Summary

"Withered Rose" is a poignant poem commemorating the postmortem birthday of Ify, who passed away due to complications from childbirth, leaving behind her husband, Israel, and their twins.

Abstract

The poem "Withered Rose" reflects on the life and death of Ify, who is metaphorically represented as a rose that blossomed and withered away. It captures the emotional journey of her loved ones, from the celebration of her birth to the sorrow of her untimely death. The poem conveys a sense of loss and the struggle to cope with the void left by Ify's passing. It highlights the contrast between the joy of her birth and the despair of her death, with the memories of her life being as deep as the sea. The narrative extends beyond the poem with a dedication to Ify on her birthday, detailing the tragic circumstances of her death and the impact on her family and friends.

Opinions

  • The poem expresses a deep sense of grief and nostalgia for Ify, comparing her life to the fleeting beauty of a rose.
  • The author seems to grapple with feelings of loneliness and helplessness, wishing for Ify's return but acknowledging the futility of such hopes.
  • The poem suggests that the bond shared with Ify, though brief, was profoundly meaningful, leaving a lasting impression.
  • The mention of "Michael blowing the Trump" implies a hope for a resurrection or a reunion in the afterlife

Withered Rose

A Poem

Photo by Zane Lee via Unsplash

Awake with birthday wishes, But alas! Still deep asleep. Pretty pale rose. Blossoming; attracted groom To relate pollinatingly, In the beauty of the dawn. But withering ‘ore dusk, Depression birthed.

In these indifferent cozy nights, Pictures and pillows; The only companion Barricading this river of loneliness. Hoping hopelessly in beggarly bent For my rose to rise. Seasons went by, slumbering deeper. Hope fades; as beggars never ride.

Oh, pale pleasant rose! A hole in the lion’s heart. Deeper than well, wider than hell gate. Too deep, too wide, too empty For ten million jewels to fill. The bonding, though, blissful but brief, The memories as deep as the sea.

Post-mortem birthday song to a pale Rose,

Blossomed on July 17, 1994

Withered on July 24, 2018. Rest in peace; Till Michael blows the Trump.

*****

This poem was written for Ify on her postmortem birthday. Today was supposed to be her birthday. She was stolen by death, a year after her marriage.

Ify was the wife of my good friend, Israel. She died of complicated childbirth. She died leaving the twins, the newborn.

Lost Love
Death
Memories
Poem
Loss
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarSufyan Maan, M.Eng
What Happens When You Start Reading Every Day

Think before you speak. Read before you think. — Fran Lebowitz

7 min read
avatarKris Gage
How to *really* know you’re in love

Because most of “the signs” they tell you are garbage

4 min read
avatarSamanta Writes
12 Signs of a Highly Unintelligent Person According to Science

3. Nodding Your Head

5 min read
avatarDevon Price
Laziness Does Not Exist

Psychological research is clear: when people procrastinate, there's usually a good reason

11 min read
avatarJennifer Hartmann
The Question That Ended My Marriage

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I asked my husband this question, and knew I’d just empowered us to divorce.

6 min read
avatarMichelle Teheux
We Could Learn a Lot About Sex From the Dutch

My Dutch relative’s views shocked me, but I immediately realized she was right

6 min read