by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer
the outer shell
so delicate
yet keeps the spirit in
a brittle thing
the fleshy walls
outermost layers thin
but stroke with tender finger
or fond look
or dulcet voice
the spirit soars and covers all
and shows us we've a choice
to love
as Love
You did
and cause
the soul to come to bloom
or turn away
and cold let stay
the frozen rose dies soon
so warm
with charity
anticipate what each will need
as Father's prayers
and Mother's supplicate
with each next bead
held warm in hands
and bold in mind
so grows the petal seed
and flourishes
the human heart
a lovely rose indeed
