A rose slowly opens

its white robust bell-shaped body blooms into red

and to look deeper and deeper into its face

as the velvety petals slowly divide

the circles form a glimpse of eternity

at the soul of the flower.

But in increments over the days

a rose slowly closes

The delicate head droops

the withering petals become slack

as curling pages of time

until only the briefest of scents linger

full of sweetness and longing.