Sheer Gardenia Poem by Kim Schilling

You lit up the room with your stunning smile
Dancing and floating with such grace and style
Arm in arm with gardenias on your wrist
He pulled you close and tenderly you kissed.

Such love and devotion for each other
I look at you in awe, my dear mother
Ceaselessly in my heart I hold you near
With humble reverence and strong revere.

And time cruelly fades all your memories
Children, births, and your anniversaries
Body held captive in weakness’ throes
Beneath all the hurting a smile still glows.

Released from your shell to eternal grace
I leave white gardenias in a small vase.