Aging

A rose starts out a tiny bud
Pretty and tender a symbol of love
As it grows the leaves mature
blossoming out in simple granduer

Just as quickly they start to fade
Turning brown and wrinkled and
fall away

Fallen petals
Pressed in a book
Their scent so powerful
They still get a look

Roses like people
Start tender and young
Mature quite quickly and
then they are done

Their beauty is gone
Everyone proclaims
The wisdom you don't see
is what remains.