Rose Among Thorns

A rose among thorns

Stems and vines

Roots and leaves

Intertwine

Thorns protrude like vicious teeth

They nip my skin

They keep defend against intruders

Gingerly I push away the barbed brush

Ignore the red beads on my hands

Then there at the center

I find my treasure

A simple rose

Hidden in a dome of thorns

Soft petals, silky and smooth, caress my face

Beauty such as this should not be kept from the world

But for its own protection must hide

And show the thorns

To glimpse the rose, neigh to find

Is be whole again

A rose among thorns

Stems and vines

Roots and leaves

Intertwine