#Haibun: Death of a Rose

Posted on July 6, 2021 by

31 Comments

Dying Rio Samba Rose

It’s been a troublesome summer; not only for my garden but for myself as well. Last month, I had a hysterectomy which proved to be the most painful surgery I have ever endured. And to make matters worse, I have been unable to tend to my garden as I usually do. As a result, the last living rose that my mother and I planted over 20 years ago is dying a slow death.

I remember with clarity the day we planted the three Rio Samba roses. My mother had recently come to live with us after a decline in her health. When she retired, she moved her trailer onto a thousand acre ranch in Texas that her cousin owned. She loved living there, and soon after planted a long row of Rio Samba roses. They were her pride and joy. Thus, when she came to live with us we decided to plant Rio Sambas to see how they fared in Arizona. It was our way of helping her feel at home.

Mom taught us how to plant the young roses and helped along the way. I remember her delicate hands stained with the rich black soil we had trucked in for the new bed. Even now, as I stand here and weep over the dying rose, I can hear her voice explaining every step.

summer’s searing heat
roses fade, wither in sun
another soul gone

©2021 Linda Lee Lyberg

Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge: No.233

Linda Lee Lyberg is a wife, mother, artist, published poet and author. She resides in Mesa, AZ with her husband Pete (aka The Big Viking) of 24 years and their latest rescue, Jackson “Jax” Lyberg. Linda writes various forms of poetry, as well as short stories. You can read more of her works at: charmedchaos.com and view anthologies containing her work here: Amazon Author Page

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31 Comments on “#Haibun: Death of a Rose”

  2. Painful to read, Linda. Is there a way to shield it from the sun? Netting suspended or a tarp maybe? Maybe it’s just going dormant for the year?

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    • Hi Lisa- I wish that was all it is but there is also a deeper problem. Even though I fertilize regularly I think possibly the soil is depleted and needs replenishing. Plus, there is salt leaching. These issues, along with the intense heat are really impacting Roses this year. I am in a FB group and there are many others whose Roses are suffering. In reality I may lose all the roses in that bed. The other two are newer ones. 😞

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  4. I am so sorry to hear about your health issues and your garden❣️I have been away from home caring for my older brother so my daughter tells me that my garden at the cabin has overgrown.
    Hopefully I will be able to fix it in the fall. Can you still take a cutting from your roses and nurse it inside?
    I hope this finds you feeling better🙏

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  5. This is so beautiful, so sad but glorious. Maybe your mum may save the last rose and next year surprise you. You will get your strength back 💜💜

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  10. Hi Linda, sorry to hear you are going through these difficult times. Roses are special to me as well, they were my mom’s favourite flores. Hugs to you and a fast recovery.

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  13. Pingback: #TANKATUESDAY #POETRY STARS | Poets choice | 🍃Word Craft: Prose & Poetry🍃

  15. I am so sorry Linda that you have to endure such a painful operation, it takes such a long time to get back to even moving let along lifting.. we have the opposite problem here which is drowning.. and so all my plants and bushes are now in very large pots with good drainage and I use compost that has feed in it.. This has made a difference in the last few years especially to bushes like the hydrangeas..I hope you feel more comfortable every day.. love the haibun.

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