Essence and elegence

The floral aromas rise subdued

Stately they seem

High, pristine

What once was life

Cherished on a mantle

Forgotten in a box in the attic

Preserved, revered

A memory maybe dear

Constant they whisper

Echos of sweeter yesterday

Once life, now frozen; unchanging

Delicately the rose rests

Untouched it remains

collecting dust

Future restrains

Never willing to look ahead

Because clearly,

The best has been

And it is dead