Red for Remembrance

RED FOR REMEMBRANCE

I was looking for a red rose to plant for your birthday
Something to remind me”as if I needed reminding
Red was your favorite color and you wore it like a badge of honor
Scarlet, crimson, carmine, burgundy”you loved them all

You shouted out your personality, and damned those who shrank
From the brazenness and defiance with which you defined yourself
"I am who I am, and woe to anyone who doesn't accept me
The passion in you was emblazoned in your heart

I will never be as brave as you, nor touch the hearts of so many
I have always been too afraid to take the leap of faith
And have always worried about tomorrow
But your motto was to live for today, for tomorrow might never come

So you strode forth in your red dress, thumbing your nose
At everyone who tried to imbue you with a little restraint
And oh, how right you were after all!
And I wish you were here, dressed all in red

Red for remembrance and I'll never forget
The fire within you and the love that you shared
With those of us who were privileged to be
Part of the world that you created

So there will be a rosebush for you in my garden,
The color will be so vivid, and the scent so sweet
The blooms will evoke the memory
Of the way life used to be