flower petals

once a flower
in full bloom
many satiny petals
filled with the sweet scents
of the world
 
randomly given
(he loves me, he loves me not)
petals were shared
with whomever needed
a bit more love
and happiness in their world
 
to spread joy
giving
warming someones
cold heart
allowing them to breathe
in what is still good
in this life
 
by doing that
the flower was giving itself
away
a piece here
and there
not realizing that
eventually there would
be nothing left
 
a tall bare stalk
spent flower petals
all removed
just the stamens left
curled into one another
bowing in there
naked sadness
 
"Love is like a rose. It looks beautiful on the outside....but there is always pain hidden somewhere."   unknown