The Pattern of Roses

    
"The Pattern of Roses"

I can remember the tears
Running down my face
I remember the pattern of roses
On that pillow case

Pillow in my lap
On the road for a trip
I remember the salt water
Taste on my lips

I am alone in the back
Mom and dad up front
They argued so often
The memories haunt

I believe that I was four
Or maybe even five
If she jumped like she threatened
She wouldn't be alive

I just cried and cried
So very scared
They screamed and yelled
Like I wasn't there

I know they could see them
The tears on my face
I remember the pattern of roses
On that pillow case

We move forward a bit
To my early teens
Up to the point
Of another scene

My sister's marriage
Had reached its end
They sent me to stay
What support could I lend

She was so afraid
To be alone at night
Watching her pack her life away
Was a horrible sight

Each item she packed
Seemed to weigh a ton
She put her dreams in those boxes
Before she was done

I was so young
But decided then and there
I would never go through this
So young, so aware

We really didn't speak
Like I wasn't there
I won't ever inflict this
So young, so aware

She packed and she packed
Tears streaming down her face
I remember the pattern of roses
On that pillow case

And now we are
Back here at today
Again I've let someone
Make me feel that way

After years together
How could you not care
When you walked away
Like I wasn't there

I know you could see them
The tears on my face
I remember the pattern of roses
On that pillow case

Dg – 12/05