A Rose Like No Other Poem by Teresa Reck

A tiny insignificant bump That rises amongst the green Growing overnight until It no longer seems To be hidden by the leaves But emerges with a base of its own. It becomes a bud Crying out for its share Of the sunlight and moisture Lying there. And as the bud swells to a size Most inappropriate, plant wise, Wrapped in leaf-like green Taking on a life independent, it seems. At first just a fringe along the edges But emboldened by the sun's warm embraces It burst into full view A message that it's time to renew The pledge of genes and more That here is a rose for all to adore. All at once, true color's revealed Maybe orange, yellow, white or still Another color; genetics decide. It's breeding, it can no longer hide. Then, as the days pass, The flower begins to shed its petals 'till at last At the base a swollen hip Far beyond the petal tips. And tiny seeds are born within That promise to begin life over again But only under the careful care Of someone who would dare To culture them carefully so That a rose can be made to grow. While we treasure the fragrance, feel and sight Promise of the future is the true delight. s