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.