Camellias are in bloom
in the garden
that used to belong
to Dolores and Danny
and that now belongs
to us.

One single branch
of camellia flowers
has bloomed early –
covered with blossoms
that are pink, eye-catching
and joyful.

Camellia flowers
make me smile
as I remember Dolores’s delight
when they bloomed
each year.
Camellia flowers remind me
of Dolores
and the pink, cotton jumper
that she loved to wear
and which was the exact same
shade of pink
as her beloved Camellia flowers.

Camellias in our garden
trigger fond and happy memories
of Dolores –
a woman of gentleness, generosity
and God.

Thank you, Lord,
for these camellias
and for the gift of Dolores
in our lives.

May she rest in peace.

© Claire Murray, 11th March 2023