Roses defend themselves
With razor tipped thorns.
Keeping anyone who wishes
To hold them close at bay.
What a perfect metaphor.
I thought maybe I could handle
A little blood if it meant I could
Keep this beauty for myself.
But maybe I shouldn't
Have dived head first into the bush.
Roses are meant to be
Cherished at a distance.
I only wish I had
This epiphany sooner.