I sacrificed a rose,
To an uncaring sun;
Laid to rest,
In full bloom,
To wilt on an altar,
The searing rays quickly
Turned the fresh stem to ash;
Rows of thorns shriveled
Into small charcoal clumps;
The velvet petals vanished
In a vapor of pink-hued dust.
Only the memory remained
Of that wondrous beauty
That betrayed me that night
When I found her in bed
Kissing the moon and I
Could not wait
For the sun to rise.