Fragrant flower
           of the earth
supple mineral mistress
           that rises up
out of the cold-blown
           loveless dust

The burst bud
           from which
the petals unfold
           seeking nothing
but admiration
            ignorant of the thorns
she bears
           Blood-red
or pale-white
           her most emblematic
colours : time
           her most mortal enemy
oblivion
           her greatest fear

John Lyons