I am not the rose

I am just thorns growing on branches

I am not the rose
Don't hold me to your heart
I will hurt you
Like I have hurt others

I am not the rose
I am the thorn
Hidden under delicate petals
Careful, or I will pierce your fingers
Trying to comfort me.

The rain drop resting on the rose
Will attract every eye
But a tear hanging on the tip of the thorn
Will go unnoticed

Stay away
I hurt all those who loved me
I can't hurt one more
Go away

Know this
I am not the rose

Reviews

[AliciaB]

This poem hurts my heart to read. It's so plaintive, and so honest. The most moving lines for me are "Careful, or I will pierce your fingers / Trying to comfort me" and the entire stanza about the rain drop and the tear. You have tied everything beautifully back to the idea of the thorn and the rose, and I love the repetition of the title throughout the poem. I think we've all been in situations where we've hurt those we love, and we want to protect them from further harm by distancing ourselves from them. That's when we call ourselves monsters, talk about our demons, and warn others of our thorns. Excellent work in this very emotional piece.

[Ananya]

You always write such insightful reviews, dear Alicia. A poem means nothing if the reader cannot feel it. And your words say that you feel it all right. Thank you very much for your kindness.

[AliciaB]

You are very welcome! Though I think a poem does mean something, even if the reader cannot feel it - it means something very special and profound to you. But sharing that feeling with a reader makes it even more impactful. :) Thank you!

[Ananya]

A poem always means something to the poet. But what is the use of sharing a poem if the readers are not able to feel it?

[AliciaB]

It's your voice, saying, "Here I am - this is what I feel." People may listen to it and not feel exactly the same way you do, but it will still affect them. In some slight way, the manner in which they look at the world and others will be changed. You never know the effect you might have on another person. But I see what you mean. :)

[Ananya]

You are a very kind lady. Thank you so much. God bless

[AliciaB]

Thank you. You are welcome. You too!

[Shabeeh Haider]

That's being a bit strict on yourself. Sometimes we feel guilty and take the blame for things that are NOT our fault.
A person needs to reassess and realize that sometimes you are being blamed for the wrong doing of others.

[Ananya]

Thank you for your kind words.