Love is like a Rose

the delicate rose is the most beautiful of flowers
with its soft luscious petals and relaxing scent
it brings a smile to the most hardened face.
though sharp, jagged thorns serve as a reminder
that even true beauty has flaws.


love is like the rose in many ways-
it warms our soul with kind, gentle words.
makes the coldest heart melt with selfless deeds
even though it leaves deep wounds with hurtful actions.
for even true love has limitations.


a rosebud watered and fed well-
cut back to prevent overgrowth,
pruned to remove throns that might hurt
and given just the right balance of sunlight and shade
will produce a breath-taking flower - like no other.


a friendship tended to with gentle affection-
with welcoming lines of communication
yet, given enough distance to grow
carefully nurshised with just enough loving deeds and passion
will BLOSSOM into a lifetime romance.


Sadly, the rose will wither and die
if not preserved with loving hands-
Just as the rose wilts,
Love will dwindle and disappear
if not nurtured with patience and compassion.