After The Petals
Fabric Collage - Poetry by Ellen Bass
72" x 18", 2006

Now that the petals
have fallen from the Rose__ the wine
velvet scallops scattered like fairy boats
on the sleek grass, the sex exposed,
plush yellow nibs suspended
on the slender stalks like a field
of tiny chalices lifted up and held aloft,
as each year my youth slides down
and puddles at my feet, a silk gown
released by an ardent suitor, my passion
is more naked, I can see myself at death,
when there's nothing left but desire.
I'll be illuminated there, the bare
bones of my love stark, gleaming.

*Click on image to enlarge.

No Reproductions without written permission from the Artist.