Black Roses

You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice Death to earth now decomposes I walk alone amongst the black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice You took away all you gave me My words, my promise and my choice You blinded my eyes in a flash While death to earth now decomposes You smote me with flames and ash To walk alone amongst the black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice You took away all you gave me My words, promises and choice White flames devoured unrivalled beauty Fire and ash played out their duty Broken flower now decomposes Then springs to life as wild black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice Death to earth now decomposes I walk alone amongst the black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice You took away all you gave me My words, my promises and my choice You blinded my eyes in a flash While death to earth now decomposes You smote me with flames and ash To walk alone amongst the black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice You took away all you gave me My words, promises and choice White flames devoured unrivalled beauty Fire and ash played out their duty Broken flower now decomposes Then springs to life as wild black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice Death to earth now decomposes I walk alone amongst the black roses You took away all you gave me My life, my breath, my voice Broken flower now decomposes Then springs to life as wild black roses..... Jane Shields (C)