I watch as the moonlight spills down from the sky,
passing through my window and illuminating my room.
It entrances me, and slowly I slip out of consciousness.
My eyelids close and the darkness hugs me tight.
When I open them, I am in a lush rose garden.
The sweet aromas fill my head
and I am dizzy with longing and hopefulness.

I walk through the winding paths, musing,
as I stop to admire and ponder the beauty around me.
Each flower is so delicate, so precious...
I carefully brush my fingers across the silken petals:
they feel so soft, so encompassing.
Time's sands blow gently from my hands,
and I loose myself within the garden, within myself.

Gazing upon such radiance, I sigh longingly,
wishing to myself that I could pick every rose;
but a wind quietly creeps around me, whispering.
Tears fill my eyes as I listen to it...
in order for balance to remain, I must only pick one,
and it is then that the pain begins to settle in:
a pain so subtle, yet so strong, that it tears at my heart.

Again and again do I pass by each rose,
unable to bring myself to a decision.
Slowly, I see one less rose until only two remain.
One is a sweet crimson, comforting and vaguely familiar;
the other: a forbidden ebony, lush and gentle; tempting.
My heart is heavy, for each rose is incredible...
and choosing one shall surely wilt the other.

I cast my gaze from one to another,
the tugging in my chest gradually growing stronger.
The tears are streaming down my face as I look at each.
The crimson rose sings softly to me,
unfolding its petals to draw me in close,
to give me shelter from the storm
and to keep me warm, in body and soul.

I tear my gaze away from its unnerving beauty,
afraid to look any longer, lest I choose without thinking.
Taking a deep, choking breath, I turn to the other.
The ebony petals hold stories of new beginnings,
of the chance to live life in a different light.
It smells so fresh, making me close my eyes
and sigh long and deep, shivering with the decision yet to come.

I slowly extend my hand, reaching out toward destiny.
My fingers wrap around the emerald stalk,
the coolness seeping into my body.
I cast one last look at the other rose,
and pluck the one I have chosen.
I smile at the choice I have made,
looking down at the rose in my hand.
 
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