It was
Crimson, welling up
Scarlet, a pinprick of it
Ruby-hued, a precious jewel
Wine-deep, drunk off its scent
Mistletoe-berry, a kiss from a knife
Mahogany, darkening on skin
Burgundy, covered by a fresh flow
Claret, stark and streaming
Coral, the colour it turned the sheets below
Florid, as more sprant forth
Russet, like an apple of life, death and knowledge
Rust, as it dries on your hands
Roseate, like a flower, giving life to you as it fades away below.