THE ROSE

How is it that a blossom
so delicate, so softly pink
and flushed, can be
counted on to fill
some mortal void
with comfort as sure
as the heavens are filled
with stars, offering
its fragrant petals, pure
and without blemish,
pouring consolation
from the open cup
of its huge beauty.

Did you see the sunlight tremble
as it touched that pale and spent petal--
fallen just now to the ground?