I took a tiny rosebud
from your bridal bouquet
and I placed it in my Bible
on your wedding day.

I kept it to remind me
of a love that we once knew,
A promise made can also fade
just as the rose’s dew.

I pick it up so tenderly
and hold it in my hand,
I tell it of my loneliness
and it seems to understand.

Then the mailman brought your letter
where you said, "You’ll be home soon"
my tears fell on that tiny rose
and somehow sweetheart it “bloomed”

So I placed it in the sunshine
upon the windowsill,
it fills the room with sweet perfume
and its blooming darling still.

Like me it stands here waiting
and watching everyday,
that tiny tender “Persistent Rose”
from your bridal bouquet.

© Doyle R Quinn I 1964