Secret.
Stalked in tall greenery, cupped as itself,
bud-tight but becoming
slowly unfurled petal perfection opens
to show in this single rose
gentle attention and caution soon melts
when tho\' from distance
its fragrance erases loneliness knowingly.
Toned in velvet hue its newness vibrates
because this red rose
holds the music of love\'s proffered hand,
treasured the more
by its message to accept readily the late
chance before autumn
of fate\'s warm perfume of understanding.
Impassioned, compelling, incarnadine rose,
your secret so deep only providence knows.