rose, how i love your pedals
your scent calls me by name
but your thorns tell me you’re dangerous
maybe it’s best i stay away

look, but don’t touch;
i’ve tried to hold you, 
my hands don’t fit between your thorns
who am i to harm you
and force you to conform

i’ll tend to your needs
until someone else is here
whose fingers fit your thorns
who may love you without concern

i’ll water you as the rain
and keep the insects off your pedals
your beauty shines through clouds of gray; 
in any conditions and/or weather

thank you for allowing me to care for you,
i have loved you as my own. 
i hope i did enough for you
i’ll still love you when you’re gone.

when your person comes to take you home
i’ll love you enough to let you go

09/21/2023