Withered is the gnarled

bark of  the tree, standing

sullenly, with drooping head

and, by its side the

soft petalled rose, blooms

eternally, rising into

heaven of glowing embers.

The tree predates the garden

like a pontificating lion,

king of animals;

the rose

spreads wings of damnation.

I observe both tree and rose

and, the garden of Gethsamane.