Long after the flowers have wilted

For E

The last of the mums have been thrown away,
Remnants of the glorious bouquet of flowers
You gave me on Valentine's Day –
The one I carried home in broad daylight;
The one that launched a thousand and one
Questions and teasing remarks in the office, remember?
What's left is a single white rose, which stood out
And outlived the rest, now pressed between the
Pages of Katarungang Pambarangay.
I will always remember how proud those flowers
Looked that particular Valentine's Day,
Aware of their beauty and the joy they bring.
I will always remember the way I felt when
I saw them so full of life, so full of love.
But flowers wilt and die although their beauty,
And grandeur remain etched in memory.
Now tell me, will your love remain
Long after the flowers have wilted?

March 2001