Last Blossom on the Rose

Only four days left of these
precious October days
with their clear sunlit mornings
chilly nights now down to freezing
and in defiance of the cold
the Japanese rugosa
I planted just a year ago
has put forth one last bloom
pale yellow petals intricate
with a faint scent of cinnamon
a parting gesture marking
the end of all that summer gave
and winter's close approach
a lovely gesture of farewell
a dear friend's goodbye wave