A Rose For the Desert

I stand in the midst of swirling sand of this arid and sun-ravaged land, I hold in my hand a vibrant rose From this harsh sun I shielded it close. A solitary rose; yet how did it wilt right in my hand that I feel guilt-- Oh God, did I embrace it too close? Why was I not able to save my red rose, Petal by petal it fell apart on the ground breaking my heart asunder but nary a sound; A measly flower-- is that all you see? A whimsical notion, a foolhardy task of me! I kissed this denuded stem with my undying love, Damnation has befallen like a lightning from above And the heavens stood by as my love lay dying while I was weeping, while I was crying. Thus let me this much to you all assure-- Never will I lay my hand on a thing so pure; Yet, if all my lofty hopes dissipate erelong I stand guilty I confess, I did do wrong. I was a fool; it was but a frivolous scheme A rose to bloom in wilderness was my dream! (Inspired by “A Dream within a Dream” by Edgar Allan Poe) Put Your Best Poe forward contest by Tommy Boy