The Three Absolutes

Smell the roses on the way is a saying often used

to encourage our awareness of the day;

to enhance appreciation for

the universe’s gifts

and with balming fragrant earth

nourish the soul.

The roses of life have the aroma of harmony,

amiable perfumed petals.

And the joys of living are captured within them

budding our exploration.

And the bloom is forever true to its work.

Unfailingly giving redolent bouquet.

Steadfastly soothing with aroma so sweet

that one can be lulled into forgetting

lurking just below

there are thorns

making times the rose

is not so sweet on the nose,

when some seasons the thorn pricks the finger.

But it is

blood given to inscribe the learning

offered with Love.

And to take courage and know we can’t alter the past

but we can do it better tomorrow

gives Hope.

For each chance we take,

a lesson is learned,

while both flower and thorn share the telling,

celebrating Reason.