A Single Rose

A sunflower once inquired

From her neighbor

A single rose,

'Why is that my friend,

That you keep your petals folded

As a shield around you

When the bees swarm around

Aching for their provision,



Don't you want to be admired,

Adored and worshipped

Like the rest of us?



Replied the rose, to her question



'I wait for a single bee

From all the creation

Since the time of my birth

Till the time of my death

I shall wait for him'



'Pardon me ma'am

But, Isn't that foolish....



Won't you wither away

With the cold winds of winter

And the harsh summer's sun? '

Insisted her nosey neighbor,



The rose smiled

With tears in her eyes,

'You see, it's the way

I was created

Only for a single bee

And immune to the rest

Who flutter around



Though some have scratched my petals

Over time

In their frustration

And burned in their own

Initiated, devastation



I shall stay fresh as long as I remain closed

My nectar and sweetness

Providing me nourishment

Deep within



If I open up

Even a single bit,

Before it's the right time

My nectar will dissipate

Into the winds

To be replaced by a poison

From which, my heart will wither



And tell me, my friend

What good

Is

A flower

Adorned with the brightest hue

On the outside

But, with a withered heart

Devoid of nectar

To any roaming insect

For that matter? '



Upon hearing this confession,

Her neighbor

Bowed her head

And

Hushed.