No Captive Rose

I dare risk the thorn

To stroke the loveliest rose.

Pluck it?

Nay.

It must bloom on and grow,

For its beauty shines in its life.

To pluck it,

To force it to be mine alone,

Or in a captive vase,

Would end it,

I would have it live on...

In growing beauty...

Forever.

- Donovan Baldwin