The rose,

Petals clutched tight,

Withholds the beauty of it’s flower.

~~

Quietly she waits,

While lovers challenge for affection,

In hopes of unlocking her secrets.

~~

She does not reveal these secrets easily,

Preferring games,

Teasing those hoping to have the key.

~~

While the courtship continues,

She revels in the chaos,

Hiding what lays behind her silken robes.

~~

She is not modest,

Nor shy in spite of appearance,

Instead she is a manipulator.

~~

Prickly and pretentious,

Gladly drawing first blood,

Before confessing her undying love.

~~ D. R. DiFrancesco ~~