Lay me upon rhododendrons 
burgundy with blood long ago spilled 
by my grandmother’s knees 

on flowerbed bricks, 
on kitchen linoleum, 
on hospital bed rails. 

Lay me upon weeping azaleas 
and day (deprived) lilies 
holding the final strands of her hair 
within their roots. I will celebrate 
her life at the last with their death, 
for I am her last. I raise my arms 
in joy, vulnerability, surrender 
to my own will 

at the end of the line, 
at the end of the war, 
at the end of the struggle. 

I am the dot, full stop 
that completes the circle drawn. 

Silver winner of this contest: https://allpoetry.com/contest/2831194-National-Poetry-Month-April-29th-noguest