The Anniversary Rose
Love is like a rose garden
Adventurous beauty to behold
Each petal differs’ us apart
Soft beauty and imperfection
Focusing on the single
Some see all that’s wrong
Negatively they have focused
On the blemishes we have
Same petals viewed with different eyes
The positive is seen
The silk, the hue, the glory shine
Gentle beauty all within
We see you both as beautiful
Soft petals that you are
Distinct is each, and yet together
More precious than a rose
Many years you have in common
To compliment each other
To share life’s gifts of love and joy
And all its many laughter’s
As roses do, we too have thorns
Sorrows, anger and resentments
Together you have grown through these
And focused on life’s best
You are roses with such color
Your growth forever shines
Your garden it has flourished
You’ve nurtured it with care
So tenderly you cultivate
To forgive with thoughtfulness
Each of you so wonderful
Individuals you are
May your love continue growing
With all the joy you have found
Written for 2 dear friends
by Nina P. Ploetz 1995
