Oleander, the Tragic Love Story of Hero and Leander

Oh, how he struggles through storm swollen seas, lost in the thought of his lover and he. His toil made clear as he searches the night for the flickering promise of her candle light. Tossed by the waves as his muscles fatigue in his grasp, a gift for his true love's intrigue. Kept safe in the wrap of a soft silken veil are fragrant white flowers, their scent to inhale. Step by steep step she traverses each flight to the top of the stairs to wait by the light. From the cusp of the spire she hopes and she craves to see her Leander arise from the waves. He yearns to be near her on the distant land and to touch her smooth skin with his calloused hand. To hold her so gently and caress her soft breast with his cheek pressed against her his body will rest. His legs become heavy, his arms become weak and he knows to attain his desire is bleak. "Oh, Hero, my sweet I have lost you this night," the waters embrace him, he surrenders his life. In the top of the tower above the tall trees she waits for Leander to emerge from the sea. Through the mist she can see him, dead on the sand, the white petals upon him and strewn 'cross the land. "Oh, Leander my love I have waited for thee, but now you are gone, killed by the sea. Never again to kiss your sweet lips, I will join you," she spoke, as her foot she let slip.