ROSES ON THE WATER
(On watching the seaside Memorial Service
for TWA Flight 800 victims)
After the formal tributes and prayers
only the roses remain.
The last mournful note of Taps fades away --
leaving only the sound of the surf
as mourners drift toward the sea.
Today the ocean is calm and warm
as some wade into the shallows,
clutching a rose for each one they lost
out there somewhere
in the dark, silent deep.
Roses are flung on a sea of tears,
as if trying to reach their love.
But they fall far short, and the gentle waves
bring them tenderly back,
unreceived.
That great, thundering ocean
which holds their hearts
crushed in its darkest depths,
now comforts them with healing waves,
caressing bare feet on the beach.
A warm sea breeze from way out there
stirs them with mystic breath,
whispering they’re not alone --
their dear ones are at home above
in the great eternal Heart of Love.