Has been

These beautiful roses were given to me by a friend last weekend. They were gorgeous - perfectly formed, sweetly scented and a stunning range of hues.

But despite plenty of fresh water they've wilted and are now well past their visual, fragrant best . . .

Their fading form still retains a beauty - though not the same beauty as a week ago. There's a lot to be said for the beauty that lingers after the gloss has gone.