i give you this rose,
hand-picked for
you alone
as soft as it is scented
its nestled in the palms of
these hands that will
hold you
protect you
love you
forever
petals imperfect
beautifully designed
like precious jewels
i hand you this gift
in exchange for your heart
as you carefully reach out
i say a silent prayer;
that even when this
beautiful rose may
whither and perish
that our union
may not.