Roses

Roses.

Withered roses at my feet

Flung random in a pile 

Blooms to fade, now overnight

Are open for a while.

Perfume spills, the scent is sweet 

Aromatic smell of balm - 

Self-picked and hushed 

From bursting to this calm.

Thousands, Thousands everywhere 

Criss-crossed and side by side

Unknown was this their final plight 

Now thrown up by the tide.

Petals leave a bud quite bare

And lose their blood red hue 

With leaves and stems they will be crushed 

As swept up out of view.

Don't let a frown replace your smile 

Or rottenness such charm

Be separate now, and take good care 

Serene away from harm.

Keep on, you will be drawn upright 

Above the mass that tries 

Better numbered with the few

A life that never dies.