A Wilting Flower

Quietly I sit and observe the profile of her expressionless young face. She looks so peaceful and serene, a flower in the full bloom of life. Her hair flows softly around her in its auburn beauty. Now I see her eyes flutter open, and observe how thick her long lashes are; how they pleasantly frame her light green eyes. Her flawless skin has a translucent quality to it, so silky and smooth. crimson rose in bloom seared petals bleed heavy tears down a stem of thorns A near drowning victim, she is getting restless, her breathing becomes labored. I hurry over and adjust the oxygen cannula in her nose and take her vital signs. Then I stroke her arm to comfort her as I raise the head of her bed and adjust her pillows. She seems to settle down with a heavy sigh. Are those tears around the corners of her blank, staring eyes? Tiny beads of sweat lightly dampen her forehead I prepare a cool, wet towel and place it over her brows. What a beautiful flower she is, how brief her bloom. Now her flower has been plucked too soon. She is wilting, her petals are fainting, falling... weeping flower bends colors weaken, fade away falling so softly October 28, 2020