Shelf Life

Pretty has a shelf life
Beauty never expires

Fashions change
Trends go away
Eyesight fades

Appreciation and adoration come from the soul;
and are felt even with one's eyes closed

Just like a faded rose pressed into a memory book,
all that looks good will one day lose its prettiness

Even the powerful fragrance that made one's head spin giddily
Will dissipate in time

But those incredible feelings
Inspired when these memories, which nourish and sustain your soul were formed,
Will always remain vivid and strong

It is the impact felt when one gains an appreciation for that which is pretty
that births the beauty that never expires

You will not be transported back in time
That long ago moment will be brought forward to your right here, right now

Reminding you exactly why this rose,
above any and all other roses,
remains near and dear to you

In appreciation of its beauty
Each time you look upon, and touch, this now faded rose
This flower will become again as pretty as the moment it opened into full bloom
And captured your eye and heart forever

And its perfume will still be as powerful today as it was upon that first summer breeze when it caught your nose's attention

Pretty has a shelf life
Beauty never expires