The thorny rose
now devoid of all flowering beauty
ferociously directs its spiky winter tendrils
along the silent wall
as if to defy some invisible enemy,
or offer some unsolicited protection to the stones.
But the wall needs no defence.
Its beauty will not fade or disappear
in any season.
The stones create a sanctuary for life -
One that is not barbed or bitter.
The wall offers a kinder reality than the rose,
remaining ever approachable
and forgiving.
