A Single Rose

A single rose above the fireplace;                                                                      
The crackling flames cast shadows over petals, bright.                                                  
How can a rose of beauty lose its grace?                                                  

The crystal vase upon a mat of lace                                                            
Within a darkened room brings much delight;                                                  
A single rose above the fireplace.                                                                      

The petals crease like wrinkles on a face;                                                  
The steady tick of time the cause of blight.                                                                      
How can a rose of beauty lose its grace?                                                  

The petals hold each other tight, a last embrace                                                  
Before some fall into the grate--are set alight.                                                            
A single rose above the fireplace.                                                                      

Effects of time can never be erased.                                                            
The rose, still dignified, endures its plight;                                                  
How can a rose of beauty lose its grace?

And though now dead, the 'corpse' is no disgrace,
The withered bloom a tragic, wondrous sight;
A single rose above the fireplace,
How can a rose of beauty lose its grace?



Form: Villanelle. 19 lines, first and third lines of stanza one are alternated throughout, both included in the last stanza. Rhyme scheme: aba aba aba aba aba abaa.
Element: Onomatopoeia.
Optional prompt: The global climate change means many things to many people. What does it mean to you? Is it good/bad? Real/fake? Politics/serious?