I Smelled A Rose

Tom, who lives up the street, likes flowers.

In particular he loves his Roses.

For what was probably a few seconds,

I left my space, on the sidewalk,

And engaged one fully opened, and vigorously healthy red Rose.

Each petal within the flower seemed a variation on its neighbor,

As though there was a story or discussion within the family of

Petals that contributed to the overall integration

And wisdom of the message it was displaying.

“Do you notice how comfortably we arrange ourselves,

Each with variety of nuanced shadings that range far beyond any

Single color you might ascribe to our whole?

Have you discerned the shifting mystery of fragrances we bring

To the air and blooms that surround us?”