at the age
of ten
in this painting
which was commissioned
way back when.
I lived a short life
without
any reprieve
leaving behind a family
who could only
grieve.
I did not know
what fate
would come over me
but the blood
is still dripping
as you can see.
They never caught my killer
and the human intervention
is vague
as I was one of many
to succumb
to the plague.
During the time
of this portrait
I held a crimson rose.
Only now
the same color
drips from my nose.
I believe this strange phenomena
is here
to stay
as the patrons of art
walk by
everyday.
So please
remember me
for this pose
even though
my blood is the color
of the crimson rose.
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