My Lovely Rose

Dear Lovely Rose,

You smell sweet to all

Your original color of dark blood appeals to the eye

The variety of colors you can be amazes me

Yet you prick your oppressors

And you guard your core

That beauty you hold

The mystery of your design

My attention you capture

So easily I am drawn

To the complications of you

The complications of me that you hold

I fear I had not known

The deep meaning to me which you have rooted

For I now treasure you

Your petals fold so delicately

In a complicated pattern

Like that of who I am

Your bud so soft and fragile

Like that of my heart

Your stem strong and life giving

Like that of my faith

Your thorns built to protect

Like that of the walls I put up

My lovely rose

The flower I seek

Forever will I keep you close to me

Sincerely,

                Karena Hertling