A Rose for the desert

I stand amid the swirling sand
of this arid sun-scorched land,
I hold in my hand a robust rose
From this harsh sun I shielded it close.
A solitary rose; Yet how did it wilt
Right in my hand that I feel guilt--
Oh God, did I embrace it too close
Why was I not able to save my red rose?
Petal by petal it fell apart on the ground
Breaking my heart asunder but nary a sound;
A measly flower, is that all you see,
A whimsical notion, a foolhardy task of me!
 
With undying love I kissed this denuded stem,
Oh! I did this beauty much wrong I claim,
And the heavens stood by as my love lay dying
While I was weeping, while I was crying.
Thus let me this much to you all assure--
Never will I lay my hand on a thing so pure;
Yet, if all my lofty hopes dissipate erelong
I stand guilty I confess, I did do wrong.
I was a fool; it was just a wistful whim
A rose to bloom in wilderness was my dream!
 
 
 (Inspired by “A Dream within a Dream” by Edgar Allan Poe)