Dixie Rose

Dixie Rose!

You are an enduring natural beauty of immeasurable quality.

The blanket of pink flowers that embrace your lovely branches

conceal an internal strength and a unique unwavering grace

for not even the torrential flood waters of life

or the relentless savagery of a soulless pair of hands

could overcome your will and stubborn resilience

to rip you out by the root and rape you of your splendor.

Despite it all you remain just as desirable as ever

full of a yearning passion that could never be denied.

Dixie Rose!

Fear not these tired rugged old hands for they are mere extensions

of a loving heart, full of more patience, and understanding

than you have ever known or could even begin to imagine.

I fear not your painful sharp thorns or the blood they may draw

for I know in my heart they were put there to save you for me.

Written for and inspired by a very special young woman