THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER

“Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

My mother was a trained soprano in the operatic style. She had an amazing voice. She gave her talent free to our church, hospitals, jails, and in big concerts with the Victorian concert choir. She also sang at the church at my first wedding, (Ave Maria), and at the reception at my second. I think the song then was "I'll take you home again Kathleen", as hubby's relative of that name had not long died.  

Mum's big idol was Joan Sutherland, the Australian opera star. The two of them had very similar voices. As I have no idea how to grab a clip from my wedding video, of Mum,I'm putting up Joan Sutherland for you, to anticipate the end ofSummer, with a Celtic song. I'm nearly all Celtic. 

The Last Rose of Summer lyrics

Written by Thomas Moore (Irish). Put to a traditional celtic melody.

'Tis the last rose of summer left blooming alone

All her lovely companions are faded and gone

No flower of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh

To reflect back her blushes and give sigh for sigh

 

I'll not leave thee, thou lone one, to pine on the stem

Since the lovely are sleeping, go sleep thou with them

Thus kindly I scatter thy leaves o'er the bed

Where thy mates of the garden lie scentless and dead

 

So soon may I follow when friendships decay

And from love's shining circle the gems drop away

When true hearts lie withered and fond ones are flown

Oh who would inhabit this bleak world alone?

This bleak world alone."

A rose from my garden that repeat flowers:

 

Copyright Acerules.

Now I must say, in my temperate climate, I have a few roses flowering right into Winter, when I'm pruning I give the last to my daughter for her bedroom. I'm often giving her flowers in her vase. We do not get snow. 

I'd be interested in your thoughts on the songs in the comments section.