A fleshy velvety rose, is said to hold the beauty of all the lovers that have received such an iconic symbol. Its deep colour and soft touch I’m sure to most is exquisite, refined with delicacy and exuding infinite sentiment and devotion. This isn’t a new manifestation but historic, the ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus. Those titled as beautiful. But how can that be? Something so delicate cannot carry the burden of such emotion, for it will wilt. The demise of a rose is a certainty that cannot be unbound. It will allure you at first, but wait for it to transform, to morph into something different. Its silken petals will grow feeble. Its colour will drain. It will no longer be desired. It has been stripped of its mask. So tell me this, why is such a symbol labelled a confidante? Sub Rosa or “under the rose” for most, means to keep a secret, to swear allegiance. Yet I dont see it.

However, look upon that which is dried, there is no deceit to be found there, every crease is laced with sincerity, what you see is what you get. Its faded colour and brittle touch is displayed without reluctance. It does not bear false witness. Its beauty is undeniable. For it will not change, it will not work the magic of illusionists. Therefore, I find the beauty of a perished rose much greater than that yet to show its final form.