White swirling sands stretch far and wide.
Not a bird in view, not a soul in sight .
The sunlit dunes shine like mountains of gold
I stand perplexed, where to now? Left or right.

The sun beats mercilessly; I watch the desert steam,
melt underneath like molten magma. Regardless
I must carry on. My feet falter, yet my spirit remains strong.
I strive to pursue; selfishly, but a dream.

How long I walk I remember not.
How much more to go, a recurring thought.
Though it does little to alter my pace. Time stands still.
I'm allured by mirages, so recklessly sought.

The sun lowers in the west and west bound I am.
The sky is a dull scarlet as if the sun bled to death.
I gaze at my blistered skin, is it possible the journey
may be meaningless after all. My dream a sham.

I cry yet help it does not, either I search or I die.
Why is the desert so wide I wonder.
Why does this journey not end. Why is it that
I travel in such plight for a cause so noble. Why oh why!

The night is cold the white grains colder,
the levanter howls mercilessly. I pull my robe closer.
I see no star, no light the world around me is dark and damp.
There is no tree to rest against, no rock, no boulder.

I close my eyes and envision my destiny.
I smile as I think of the rose I carry. The dewy
petals, the waxy leaves, the thorny stem.
I suffer to keep them alive, love's testimony.

An illumination occurs subsequently.
I open my eyes to behold an angel dressed in white.
He smiles as our eyes meet, his placid, mine petrified.
"Come now, we must leave" he beckons gently.

"Leave!" I gasp, "but my journey remains incomplete..."
The candescence shimmers as he flaps his wings.
He checks his scroll and answers "It completes tonight."
I clutch the rose, spilling blood, my vow, my promise, obsolete?

"What of my love, my destiny my fate?" I beseech.
"Your destiny awaits with the Lord, make heed" he states.
"I do not wish to leave" I plead. "Not my decision to make"
he remains unmoved. I realize sadly I must accept defeat.

"Then pray do me a favor" I request of the glowing form.
"Plant this rose in yonder garden, let it bloom each night.
Let my love find a passage to the one I love so true.
Let this rose be a symbol, let it live forever, defy norms."

"I shall try" he assures and I hand him my rose, my life.
"How long have I journeyed?" I ask as we take flight.
"Twenty nine years, five minutes, two seconds precise."
Together we plant my heart in your garden that night.

And now whenever you see the rose bloom outdoors.
View it as my love, my passion, my desire unified.
View it as the heart that holds you precious always.
View it as me and I will, I promise, forever be yours.

07.12.2009