Karen Mooney’s most recent poem to appear here was “Borrowed Seasons” (September 2018).

Last Rose of Summer
By Karen Mooney

Your preference: that I am tightly wrapped
My scent; released only to you, a heady musk
I start to open, you; you become anxious
cooling towards me, perhaps losing trust
My petals; dropped for others
now gathered by you in furious gusts

You tug at my crowning glory
In submission I fold; retreat, strength sapped
Cut down to size with a stare; cold

Now I stand.
Naked, defiant as you lash my very bones
with a cruel tongue that howls of gloom

I will find another summer.
I will bloom