hot sweet life

hot, sweet life

spilling freely from an open wound

astonished eyes gaze in reluctant fascination

as the dark-red droplets fall to the ground,

like the petals drifting from a dying rose

one... two... three... I can count the rubies falling

liquid crystals, breaking with a soft splash

first a flowing stream, then slowing

to a seductive crimson trickle

the last drop escapes, and all that is left

is a shadow throbbing,

and a scarlet stain on the floor.