A Single Rose

A Single Red Rose


When I should see the smoke and ashes
Of a world maimed and torn
I hope to carry with me
A single rose without a thorn.

Robed in humility with mourning
Tears tricking down my face
For many a man will be lying
Full of death in disgrace.

Echo’s of their hate
Still boiled on their lips
As they wait for shaytan
To announce their fate.

Women screaming grief-stricken
Dead children in their arms
Why hadn’t they listened?
Before such terrible harm.

Allah protects us
Who stand and wait for rain
To sooth the horror
Of this ill-gotten pain.

-HRM Deborah