The Fall of a Rose

Like a queen she stood alone, high above the rest.

Her petals soft, but firm and strong to splendor did attest.

Her thorns were sharp, lest some should try to pry her from the Earth,

She chided bugs who chewed her leaves, she understood her worth.

When passersby trod down her path, they gazed on her in awe,

For from her roots to lofty bloom, they could not find a flaw.

Her life was grand, for she was loved, adored and magnified

However, time, the greatest foe, would prove a turning tide.

As winter dawned a shiver ran up roses' studded spine,

The vibrant blush that graced her visage lost its royal shine.

Glorious sun that warmed her leaves , waned each shortening day

Oh how she wished for spring again, as her lifeforce ebbed away.

Each morn another petal floated softly to the ground,

She bent and bowed, her regal leaves had turned a garish brown

Then one soft dawn the sky a cape of splendid colors wore,

Looked upon a meadow white, to find the rose no more....