This poem describes roses that are still and without reaction or movement. Unlike living roses, these roses feel no pain or pleasure, as their crises happened long ago and they no longer require guidance. There is only a hollow tranquility among the still roses.

1. 5
STILL ROSES
There are no ghosts here
for there is no pain.
No delayed reaction
to scalpel or caress.
Their crises commenced
long ago and elsewhere.
They have already found
their way, they require
no direction nor music
of bells from me.
No smiles or movement
shiver among these still roses.
There is only a hollow tranquility,
a tenuous serenity
as when somebody coughs
underwater.