Six White Roses

The same striking man, the same lush, green land, cushioned and delighted her heart in sleep. Her romantic dream of senses was most grand unless repeated fears began their slow, dark creep; drowning and stabbing frights would often expand. She would then wake, shaken, and try to understand. This consistent dream had always just been. Each night, the familiar reel repeated with new chapters unfolding now and then. Six sweet, white roses were never deleted and repeatedly appeared at her dream’s end - always pure white of a love intense blend. She touched the new, glossy travel brochure, ran her fingers along the pictured tree, reminding herself that she was quite sure it was the same tree her sleeping eyes did see. This tree of certain enchanting allure is what urged on her travel towards tomorrow's tour. ********************************************** The guide led her slowly to the charming tree. Its presence moved her into a faint-type sway. When her trance-like eyes finally broke free they took in surrounding nature’s breathtaking array, and paused at her dream recalled mound of clay where six, white roses lay in a love intense display. Visibly shaken, the guide sat her gently down. Sitting, too, he began sharing an ancient tale. “Centuries agone, the prince loved a poorly maiden from town. Family, foes and doctrine bid this love to fail. They eloped, cloaked by soft darkness draped all around. He wore armor and his beauty wore her plain gown.” “They returned after six love-days of bliss. Only hours back 'fore his true love vanished. No sign, no clue, the prince sought all amiss and threatened the guilty would be banished. The prince finally found her in the sea’s mist with stab wounds he would not ever dismiss.” “He buried his love and also a spell in this clearing. He left no marker but a white rose for each day he and his wife had shared perfect, loving, pairing. So sure his spell would bring her near with love revered, he vowed to watch over her grave using spell's sway and to join her within three moons after she appeared." The guide asked, “how much longer do you plan to stay?” She glowed, “I must linger at least three moons after today.” February 13, 2016