Thorns! Ouch!

Why do roses have them?

Do they need protection

From the ones who love them?

Roses! Lovely!

They are music to the eyes.

Aromas to the nose,

(Except all of those hybrids).

Why? Oh why?

Do we love the things that hurt?

The thorns upon the roses

The sweets in our dessert.

Do we really need

All the pain in our short lives?

Do we need relationships

That seem to give us hives?

Or is it all just work

That we must do every day

Like having a gatekeeper

For the things we ought not say?

Do we all have thorns

To keep people from our hearts

Making sure they keep their distance

So there is no need to depart?

Are thorns upon a rose

Just a metaphor for life?

Trying to keep us safe

From any perceived strife?

Thorns! Ouch!

I will risk the ones on you

Getting to your open heart

Is worth being pricked a time or two.

My oh my!

I know that only you can wound me

Because our hearts are open wide

And you still have thorns that hurt me.

Roses! Lovely!

I will give them all to you

To let you know that I am always

And forever true to you.