Emery Walker

Thorns

An opportunity grew up at my feet.

It wasn’t dealt by fate or even by God.

I ponder whether I should pursue it,

Let you pick me up and hold me gently,

Or just leave you behind in my life,

And continue to bloom despair.

Can charm help here even

If it’s been past three times.

If you take me I could be happy,

But I’m not going to be, ever.

I warned you about me.

You won’t be able to handle

What I bury deep inside of me.

Take me away right now.

I’ll leave you bleeding in the end—

Because roses still have thorns

No matter how much you ignore them.