For Her Sake

Once red rose, now crushed between pages old,
Long forgotten fragrance, wafting no more,
A keepsake ignites a fairy tale told,
Gifted by prom night king, she still adores.

Tear drop diamond, held gently in her hand.
Dull gold chain, broken clasp, jewel long forgot,
Yet keepsake, not ‘oft worn, reflects the man
Who saved for a year that it may be bought.

Golden band… simple… worn, rings her finger.
Thumb caressing, she hears poem composed,
He awkwardly read, yet… words still linger.
Eyes wet, under starred night, when he proposed.

Sixty eight years came with each holding each
Keepsakes grew, from all, memories restored
Yet he chose nothing to hold within reach
Her heart-in-his was his keepsake adored.