When walking through the garden one day I meandered past the tree of life when I became enamored by the most divine dark Rose that nature ever fashioned. So astounding was the Rose that I was robbed of speech and breath. I fell onto my knees and stared until my eyes did hurt. The poor dark rose had suffered lack of proper care, resulting in an inert outer shell. I took great care removing petals scarred from winter's callous touch. I was amazed to see inside the tantalizing pink, dew covered flower open fore my eyes. A sight so wondrous cannot pass without adverse effects for those perhaps unlucky, perhaps most opportune of all. I knelt, bereft of voice, devoid of breath, and blind; the Rose, its beauty now replenished, took great pity on this wretched soul of mine. Perhaps it was the wind, perhaps it was celestial intervention, maybe Earth itself began to shake; you may believe whatever you decide but as I felt the Rose incline in my direction I knew then as I know now no forces were at play that fateful moment save the Rose exerting her own will. She chose to give herself to me that day. When I felt her soft petals touch my hand, and smelled the dew that flowed onto my fingers, life became completely clear. I knew my purpose on this planet was to find this Rose and love her evermore. Caressing her long stem, I felt her shudder faintly as I heard upon the wind a sigh of consummate contentment. Leaning in to kiss the Rose, to taste the sweet ambrosia at her core, I knew that we were of one mind, brought together by the strong embrace of love. As I grasped her roots and pulled her from the only home that she had ever known, I promised her that never more would she endure the harsh effects of winter's grip. We walked together down the path that leads I know not where. It matters not, for we, together, will abide whatever fate has planned for us. Forever.