The End of Rosebuds

Today 
Between the whispering moments of night’s retreat
And the first questioning rays of sunrise 
I gathered my blankets around me, moved to my favourite chair
And watched as a rose surrendered to time
Trembling in its deshabille 
Motes of morning caressing its petals
I watched it succumb to its fate, so gently
Never once crying for the death of its eyes
Or the slow decline of its music...for surely flowers can sing
And the world around me kept vigil
While outside my window, a tree began softly keening
The first petal fell like a daydream, fluttering
And I wondered how long it had waited for this release
Like a bird drawn on parchment, aching to fly
Now a spirit flown
I watched as the other petals shook themselves
Bruised by a sudden awareness of fate  
Lost, like the smiles of a child first understanding goodbye
Fading with the last echoes of vespers
I saw the crinkled heart of the bloom
And all the secrets held in its delicacy unfurled to me
I knew its name, its sorrows, its yearnings
As it shuddered in its farewell
My heart kissed its ghost...for surely flowers have souls
And its last perfume held me like a lover
While outside my window, the new day was breathing

Today
The end of rosebuds came so quietly, so full of grace
I climbed back into my bed 
And dreamed