With elegant sartorial splendor
Youth rises to greet the world,
Flaunts petals utterly tender,
Gossamer grace unfurled.
 

For beaus with vibrant wings
Wafts perfume to the wind.
Anticipates embrace it brings
As suitors fervently tend.

No thought given to scaffolding,
On which her all depends,
Nor web of strength still holding,
On rust her tendril wends.

Silvered support earns no thought,
To tower she must cling,
Reaching where light is sought,
Mix DNA – resplendence bring.
 

Alas, sweet bloom is too soon gone,
Bequeathing withered tendril and vine,
And hardened crib for future’s spawn --
Next season’s bouquet sublime.

© 2006 R. Leland Waldrip