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

every time i hold you 
i lose a little more blood
yet i don’t let go; 
is a bandage enough?
again i reach out to you, 
again i pay the price
i dont want to choose 
between loving and life

whether i love you for your rose 
or hate the thorns which impale
i'm left choosing dying for you
or living to tell the tale

09/15/2023