My love is like a faded withered rose,
It is of years ago, of times no more;
And many winter whirling, swirling snows
Have fallen; many more will fall and thaw
But I shall never love again, not ever.
I cannot love if love results in hurt.
The memories of love I will endeavour
To keep alive but I will stay alert,
Avoiding love, avoiding its temptation,
For I will never fall in love again.
Besides, I am too old for such elation,
I cannot suffer, cannot take the pain.
So I will cling to treasured memories,
Replaying them to sombre melodies.
Elia Michael
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-faded-rose/