Rose

From seed in darkness you arose
Leeching love from your dark embrace
Your push toward the light of day
A wrestle against death’s grasp
Alas, to bow before the heavens

Nurturing roots, deep and strong
With talons clutching beyond firm foundation
Each leaf embracing light to life
Mocking clouds to bathe away fear
Or drown in sorrow the thistle’s sting

Though winds of trouble threaten and topple
Dignity you raise high in splendor
Your world around you stops to pay homage
To your fragrant countenance of velvet magnificence
Wounding those who grasp for such endowments

Such aching beauty; rare; fleeting
Inspire visions of virtuous excellence
Standing loud over heath and heather
Enthroned in your guardian tower
The good that resides in the pain that surrounds