Rose

I have been monitoring the final rose of the season in an abandoned garden that I pass on seaside walks. Not just a regular rose, but an antique, soft golden rose, with a scent so rare, walking away from it is like letting go of a piece of eternity. As I reached for it on yesterday's walk, the branch suddenly snapped, leaving no choice but to bring it home.

It rests in a vase, painting the air with its final aroma, petals now falling down around it at a speed that I was completely unprepared for.

"And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me,

to give every man according as his work shall be."

Revelation 22:12 KJV