Love is

When walking through the garden one day I
meandered past the tree of life when I
became enamored by the most divine
dark Rose that nature ever fashioned. So
astounding was the Rose that I was robbed
of speech and breath. I fell onto my knees
and stared until my eyes did hurt. The poor
dark rose had suffered lack of proper care,
resulting in an inert outer shell.
I took great care removing petals scarred
from winter’s callous touch. I was amazed
to see inside the tantalizing pink,
dew covered flower open fore my eyes.
A sight so wondrous cannot pass without
adverse effects for those perhaps unlucky,
perhaps most opportune of all. I knelt,
bereft of voice, devoid of breath, and blind;
the Rose, its beauty now replenished, took
great pity on this wretched soul of mine.
Perhaps it was the wind, perhaps it was
celestial intervention, maybe Earth
itself began to shake; you may believe
whatever you decide but as I felt
the Rose incline in my direction I
knew then as I know now no forces were
at play that fateful moment save the Rose
exerting her own will. She chose to give
herself to me that day. When I felt her
soft petals touch my hand, and smelled the dew
that flowed onto my fingers, life became
completely clear. I knew my purpose on
this planet was to find this Rose and love
her evermore. Caressing her long stem,
I felt her shudder faintly as I heard
upon the wind a sigh of consummate
contentment. Leaning in to kiss the Rose,
to taste the sweet ambrosia at her core,
I knew that we were of one mind, brought
together by the strong embrace of love.
As I grasped her roots and pulled her from
the only home that she had ever known,
I promised her that never more would she
endure the harsh effects of winter’s grip.
We walked together down the path that leads
I know not where. It matters not, for we,
together, will abide whatever fate
has planned for us. Forever.