Elena en la Playa, Biarritz, Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1906)

Summer Love

In my hand I hold a rose fully spent,
No more memories of its pleasant scent.
Each petal picked I toss into the sea,
But to have a wave return them to me.

They now cluster in the pure virgin sand,
Making me think of when our love began.
Many roses glowing in the sunshine.
You cut a soft one saying it was mine.

Its velvety feeling I held so close,
Reacting to one of Cupid’s arrows.
Giving thanks to you with a longing kiss,
Now all that I can do is reminisce.

There is a change in the cool autumn air,
The wind captures the petals as I stare.
Our summer love has now gone astray,
But for a while in my heart you will stay.