1

malice so gelidly plated
on the day of the parting
an old fading rose not receiving love
her bitter heart icy in grief

11

the fresher bloom captivated
his soul with an exceeding depth
a budding beauty so glorious
of splendour he'd prefer to hold

111

words exchanged between
which made for a catty scene
out came the elder woman's claws
wanting to scratch the dahlia's eyes

1V

and the allure of newer flower
he'd ever keep
as the ancient wrinkles
in time did finally creep