The wounded rose . . .

In memory of my loved one
I planted a rose garden
tending it with care
watered with tears
that overflow
watching it grow
until I began to crush
my wound
pressing it harder still.

When it came to mind –
The Rose of Sharon* has known my grief and borne my sorrow
too heavy for me to carry. And though I did not know, He bent down
low, whispering – “I know My sweet rose, and understand!”

*It is not clear who ‘The Rose of Sharon’
is, but Biblically speaking
many like to think it refers to our Lord.