You say you love with a rose.
The delicate red petals,
reminding you of my lips.
I say they are more like your blush.

You say I love you with a rose.
As the thorns kiss you hand,
Reminding you of how my teeth kiss your neck.
I say it’s more like our fingers, despite to hold on.

You say I love you with a rose.
The firm, rich, stem reaching up to hold the bloom.
Reminding you of my shoulders willing to hold the world.
I say it’s more like your will, unyielding and unbroken.