Once it stood
shining,
vibrant,
radiant,
its brilliance
beautifying the surroundings.

But now,
after a minutely short existence,
it is
changing,
aging,
dying.

Each tender, silky-white petal
turns to a rusty brown,
then silently breaks away
and falls
peacefully,
gently,
to the ground.

As I watch helplessly,
I frown,
knowing
that soon
it will all be
over.