I placed a rose
In domed glass
I called it mine
I smiled
In the dim
Of the shallow light
I let in

I willed this rose
Stay beautiful
For me
I watched it wilt
When it dried
The petals
Lay beside
Stem left
Splintered
Thorns dull
With disdain
I blamed the rose

I plucked another
Replacing my shame
I thought

Till it happened again