Vesta's Cousin

I was your flower and you my buzzing bee I feared your sting, but could not wait for the butterfly From chrysallis to come, your dance enraptured me And I mesmerized let you with my golden pollen fly. The pollen gone left me lusterless and without hope That I can seed more than memory of you An African princess that with my stung heart eloped Leaving a stalk to wilt in the vanity of dew. Someone else drinks your honey, and suck your comb's Sweet essence now, but my nectar made it, and fed Your brood of desire. My roots are anchored in my loam's Firm embrace, while you still flit to every flower bed. No vestal hour for me, no children from the fallen glee Of love's short cycle that uncycled me. My petals fall Evening draws her curtain on hope and life's certainty Men may drink your honey, but I have tasted your gall.