Parasite

Purple flower bush once standing tall
Guardian of the entrance way,
Tended lovingly since small
In a bed of sandy clay.

Watched it spread each gentle youthful limb,
Watered oft, gave ample food,
Glorious colour ‘till the day was dim
Swaying gently in reflective mood.

Full mature and proud did stately stand,
Passers by paused to admire,
Shared its flowers with each eager hand
Ample flowers its prized attire.

Then one day the pausing gardener saw
Signs of death protruding there,
Wished he’d taken closer look before
At the limbs now dry and bare.

Parasitic vines had hidden been
Sucking life from healthy limb
Doing their destructive work unseen,
Former glory now turned dim.

Such is life for those who fail to see
Parasitic habits there,
Attachments that will never set you free
Leaving lifetime cross to bear.

“© Ian Grice 2008”