Beneath the pallid moon’s despairing glow, I thought thy gaze concealed a tender flame— A shadowed care, a warmth the night would know, Soft whispers breathing forth my name. Thy kindness—rare, like roses black with dew, Did haunt my heart, yet soothe its trembling core; I wandered lost, unsure what feelings grew, Betwixt affection’s veil and something more. But silence fell, as twilight claimed its due, The stars withdrew their trembling eyes above; What once was promise, perished with the dew, A requiem for unconfessed love. I walked through ruins draped in silver mist, Each echo wept of what could never be; The ghost of touch, the dream of lips unkissed, Fell deep within my memory’s sea. Now only embers whisper in the dark, Their glow a dying hymn to what was known— I keep the ashes where once burned the spark, To warm a heart forever turned to stone.