The Hibiscus

The blushing Hibiscus turned away shyly
As the wind embraces her from behind.
The redolence of the dew on her dispersed -
Across the moor, Alice was attracted by the sweet scent.
As she drew nearer the soft thuds made by her steps
Renascenced with the incessant beating
Of the wind against the frail flower.
She halted; The wind stopped;
She reached to pluck the flower;
A cold hand tapped her shoulder;
The flower fell and fumbled onto the ground;
She turned , she froze - she screamed.
Beside the track, the Hibiscus lay,
destroyed on the ground.
Beside the slowly withering flower
Alice outstretched her trembling hand,
Clenched her torn clothes in her fist
Sobbed - as she disappeared into the evening mist.

1990