The roses bloomed and died while I was gone,

Dozens, a wall of glorious crimson, grabbing light;

Bursting, then all at once browning, fading, but having lived.

Petals drifting to the cold soil, crushed, dry bones of rebirth.

We burst, rub together, then fade;

The pieces we leave behind embedded.

Lips formed to kiss, a surprise,

Your taste lingers, like time.

Eyes narrow and dark become brown and soft, startled, questioning.

The darkness peels away, silence become sound; a sigh.

Light cracks the gloom; your face.

Roses bloom and die and feed their resurrection.

Skin accepts the dew, becomes alive.

Bodies astride accept love.

Darkness opens to light

There is always light.

Always light.