20080102

For the Love of Roses

by Nathalie Boisard-Beudin

You came into life’s theatre not knowing your lines or even what type of play it was that you were supposed to be in. Hoping for a major role at first, you had to settle for a mere figurative part to which you nevertheless applied yourself with consciousness and professionalism. No doubt you thought that an outstanding performance might mean an upgrade in the walks of life, a bigger share of sunlight and roses at the end of the show. When the script declared that you should take a leap over the walls that surrounded you – their captive – you did it with abandon and flair, the promise of applause an inebriating temptation to your heart and soul. So out you jumped, out of your office window, ready to conquer the public. And now we are throwing roses on your grave.

6S

Nathalie Boisard-Beudin is French but currently lives in Rome, Italy. Most of her writing is done in English, her second – and working – language. She works as in-house lawyer for the European Space Agency and has published micro-stories in the multi national anthology Wonderful World of Worders.