Black Rose
(by Rosanne Hoagland)

A black rose was held loosely,
The fingers did not move, though,
  the thorns pricked the skin.
Eyes stared wide, from a
  long dark veil,
His best piece of work, this
  real still life.

She was a reluctant model,
  but after much persuasion,
Soon saw things his way, and
  was happy to pose for him.
Her fingers not moving,
  Loosely holding a black rose.