By JaNay Brown-Wood
A rose
bloomed
in the heart
of a community.
Roots embedded
stem erect
petals casting redolent light
illuminating
the deepest corners
of a space she shaped
for us.
A rose that taught us countless lessons
in the ways she grew and gave
in the ways she shined and shared
in the ways she lived and loved.
A rose whose presence
sowed pride and knowledge
words and rhythms
truth and learning
history, hope, happiness, health—a hub for us
to thrive and be
and bathe within her selfless glow.
This rose,
in turn, planted seeds
within our hearts
within in our minds
and deep within our progeny
in the ways she met and molded,
modeled and marshaled
community.
Oh, how we blossomed as she arranged us,
bouquet of beautiful blacks and browns—
exhibiting our
brilliancy.
And thus,
a mother rose
bloomed
in the heart
of our community.
Though
this rose
is now
at rest
we
are better
because
she
was here.
We, the garden that she sowed,
are grateful to our Mother Rose,
are thankful to have been caressed by
her effervescent glow.
Let us forever forge forward and grow.
Let us forever hold on to her glow.