Rose’s Lament
Oh brave Rose, why must you fade?
While barren hills remain forever gray,
Each day, the Sun will court them still,
But you, my dear, beneath his gaze must wilt.
Your petals brown, and countenance grim,
The radiant light than once drew princely men,
To set forth from their distant lands,
Now but a candle melting in the sand.
I see you stooped in reverie,
Whispering an ashen-lipped soliloquy,
Remembering when your scent enraptured,
And none could withstand your wanton overtures.
Your venom coursing through their veins,
Delilah’s devious mind and cobra fangs,
Hidden under kitten eyes,
That turned away in boredom when men cried.
But deep within your luscious breasts,
A gentle heart is throbbing with distress,
Severed from all joy and gloom,
Encased within a carefully guarded tomb.
And though I tried to break inside,
I only found my way between your thighs,
My youth surrendered to deceit,
Heartfelt love tossed out like rotting meat.
My hands sandpaper, and face uncouth,
No poet’s silver tongue within my mouth,
But were I lord of earth and sea,
Yet a pretentious mortal would I be
Ten years ago that was tonight,
Revered by all now for my prudent insight,
Posterity shall know my place,
But still I feel the pain of your embrace.
And yet, I pity you, my Rose,
You bloomed, but yet remained eternally closed
And as you view your ravaged face,
You know you never again will be embraced.
And as your blossom turns to gray,
Your mortality grows, dear Rose, each day,
But in me you’re forever whole,
Sealed within the chasm of my soul.