it took my breath away
when I saw you today
little rose
such a welcome surprise
it brought tears to my eyes
to see just how lovely
you’ve grown
such sweet memories
rushed back into me
little rose
that through watery eyes
I just watched you walk by
wishing I had said hello
too many years have passed by
and now there’s no use in crying
this I know
I didn’t want things this way
but life swept you away
and I had to learn to let go
now I live for a chance
when I might ask you to dance
little rose
this is no perfect world
but you’re my little girl
and I want you always to know
they took you from my garden
and I missed watching you grow
I don’t know what they’ve told you
but in your heart I hope you’ll know
if a cold breeze should shake your leaves
or a storm is raging wild
you can come to me
and like an old oak tree
I will shelter you my child
Matthew Longerbeam is a native of Maryland. He was a victim of violent crime in the 1990s and has spent most of his adult life in recovery. Matthew is currently working on a degree in Human Services at HCC and lives in Williamsport, Md with his wife Tabby and his cat Hobo.