I GAVE HER a SINGLE RED ROSE

I gave her a rose,
a single red rose,
and she looked for a suitable vase
in which to have it reside.

But all she could find
was an orange juice can
that had long since been emptied
and tossed to the side.

Though the vessel was plain,
its mission was great
for it stood for our love
like a sentry protecting a fort.

The years have gone by,
but the can is still there,
and so is the rose
that is withered within.

Though it crumble and fall,
though it turn altogether to dust,
it's revered as a symbol
for the love that we hold for each other.