Rose-Bush With Thorns Or Roses 'Midst Thorns! Poem by Dr John Celes

What use is a rose-bush without thorns,
For God gave thorns by changing leaves,
And protecting flowers beauteous
From predators, and plucking hands!

Like how the roses serve man's needs,
Thorns too have purpose in the plant;
God made the rose-bush thus with both
Roses and thorns, and found it best that way!

But a bush of thorns with roses rare,
Wouldn't be welcome to any man!
So would a life of merely joys,
And life afilled with sorrows just.

A life without security
Is one worthless to live on earth;
A natural blend of joys and woes
In right proportions is the best!