white snow and grey clouds

the world seemed to become distorted

no one said a word

just the sound of tears and broken hearts

the roses, perfectly cut with petals in crisp colors

waited patiently in the glistening silver bucket

I remember that orange rose

with petals like a beautiful sunrise

against the pale white snow

how I grasped it with weak hands

memories came rushing back

crushing and enveloping my heart

like a serpent strangling its prey

I remember how I felt dropping that rose

down into the grave

crushing, unreal and yet happy

happy that grandfather was finally at peace

but knowing that my life would never be the same