Red Rose

By Mahalakshmi Arunachalam

In a field of lavenders I was a rose plant,

contrasting scent, contrasting mien.

poked my thorns and I bled,

and turned rose red.

unique or odd never fit in,

alluring scent deluded mine

gave no care, left no vigour.

departed towards the sod

fell down with a thud,

touched the earth, my bud.

soon I was dead and gone without a trace.

bud burst,

life thrust,

There rose a new bleeding rose.

By Mahalakshmi Arunachalam