Coming Up Roses

 By Maryanna Gabriel 

  "We must be still and still moving."   

                                                     -  TS Elliot                                                          

Out on my deck and with my mind careening on some sad trajectory or other, possibly the question of why did God invent slugs, I was drawn to the flash of yellow. 

Oh my. 

Yellow roses curling in voluminous thick golden glory over the railing. You have to understand this is all new. You see, I have become mistress to these gardens only recently so it is unexpected. Immediately, I rushed for the scissors and brought a bouquet into the dining room feeling utterly transported.  

This led to a tour of the grounds. A white lily introduced herself and a series of red roses bloomed in profusion over a curved trellis. Not an aphid in sight. 

It is clear to me there is such a thing as a rose whisperer and if true, the former owner surely qualifies. How could I be so lucky? There are roses everywhere! And all kinds. How could a person possibly remain down in the dumps in the face of such beauty?