A Bloody Rose - 1977

Bloody Rose

At times the world—a carnival

With whirling ways and smiles

At times the stage—a darkened edge

Revealing thorns

Our lives

Too often times the tenderness

Flows slow to warm my face

Damp crystals of the evening

Stain deep to leave no trace

And many times I wonder why

I ever said hello

Before that day I had my way

Budding as the rose

A magic time—a shining light

A dream to you, no meaning

As time will tell, I felt it real

I know the pain I’m feeling

Mixing tears and simple smiles

I laugh to hear my praying

A bloody rose I seem to hold

And yet—

My heart is staying

To let it go would be the best

To heal my wound forever

My bleeding heart—a tender rose

A clinched fist protects it

- Jude Stringfellow (1977)