Withering Rose

For years we lived in a lustful glee 
You were my sun, keeping darkness from me. 
You were my light that allowed me to see, 
Until there came an era of virulent disease. 

Billions were afflicted in the first few weeks, 
Quickly followed by death in endless streams. 
We were foolish to believe 
We were above those we deemed weak. 

When the malady struck you, 
It came without warning. 
The symptoms hit hard; life evolved into endless mourning. 
As infection spread, your body became so hot. 
Hair fell out in clumps, and your eyes grew blood red. 
From the inside out, your body began to rot. 

Deep down, we both knew death was near, 
Blinded by stubbornness, we persevered, 
Until the dawn came when you were no longer here. 

Your body lay motionless and cold. 
I felt drained by the discovery, 
Hollowed and wearily old. 

Not wanting to say goodbye, I lay by your side, 
Yearning to reverse this deathly tide. 
Consumed by grief, I fell into a dream of lies, 
Where eternally we lived, 
Thriving on a passionate high. 

So enthralled with my fantasy, 
I failed to hear you sigh, 
Nor did I see the moment you opened your eyes. 

But I felt your teeth as they found my throat, 
And I allowed you to consume me, 
As a world without you 
is a weight I dare not shoulder. 
If ever you can remember, 
Forever and always, My beautiful rose.