The earth nourished it

The rain flourished it.

Grace pouted it’s bud

And then a fragrance it sweetly emanated…

All who passed it were gripped by its beauty,

All who experienced it were blessed by its mercy.

And then one day, there was a forest fire.

It had no choice to flee or retire.

At the first kiss of the flame, it shuddered.

At its next touch, it gently fluttered.

Soon the embrace of the flame was complete.

The rose was in surrender and in silence replete.

There was no shout for help

There was nothing to be dealt.

The succumbing of its grandeur

To the flame of fate….

….Which was to be a rose on fire!