A solitary rose blooms
like a soft glow
of primrose and pink
in a corner of our garden –
beautiful to behold
in autumn.

This is the wee rose bush
that Paul pruned back so hard
in winter
and that surprised us this summer
when it grew back
stronger and more vibrant than before …
and a different colour!

Now this same rose bush
has amazed us all again
by doing something else
that it has never done before –
it’s blooming in autumn!
Such a beautiful and welcome surprise!

Our wee rose reminds me
of my good friend.

Life has dealt my friend
some devastating blows
that have truly left her reeling.
But, like our wee rose,
my friend bounces back,
absolutely determined
to count her blessings.

Making a Herculean effort,
she gathers her children
tenderly around her.
And I can just imagine
her wee family team-talk:
“Come over here
and roll your sleeves up.
There’s a silver lining in here somewhere
and we’re going to find it!”

My good friend and our wee rose –
living proof
that there is a silver lining …
if we take the time to look!

© Claire Murray, 17th October 2020