Tragically, the red rose couldn’t speak for herself, and suffered in silence. How she loathed how humans used roses to cover up their despicable, cheating deceit, when all they knew was pure, unadulterated love.
Love wasn’t meant to hurt.
Yet, the rose was also quick to concede her own flaws. Even she’d accidentally stabbed a finger or two, and drawn precious blood with her thorns. Indeed, this was a serious design flaw she intended to raise with her maker.
Then, suddenly, the rose was brutally cut away from the bush, denied the opportunity for further reflection.
It was February 14th.
…..
100 words
As soon as I saw the photo prompt, I was immediately reminded of Dorothy Parker’s epic poem: One Perfect Rose. You can hear her read it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMnv1XNpuwM
One Perfect Rose
A single flow’r he sent me, since we met.
All tenderly his messenger he chose;
Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet—
One perfect rose.
I knew the language of the floweret;
“My fragile leaves,” it said, “his heart enclose.”
Love long has taken for his amulet
One perfect rose.
Why is it no one ever sent me yet
One perfect limousine, do you suppose?
Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get
One perfect rose.
Then, of course there’s Bette Midler singing: The Rose:
This has been another contribution to Friday Fictioneers kindly hosted by Rochelle Wishoff-Fields at https://rochellewisoff.com/
Best wishes,
Rowena
Beyond the Flow 
You can’t capture running water in a bucket. In a bucket it’s still
Even the roses are disillusioned! Welcome to 2022! 🙂
There is always a message surrounding the gifting of a rose. Is it a sign of deep affection or a request for forgiveness?
Interesting to hear the rose’s thoughts, they must dread February 14th! A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. I so enjoyed listening to one of my favourite songs.
I love everything of this, the story, the poem and the song. Great reflection on love from the rose and all three together complete it.
I enjoyed the story from the rose’s point of view and its discomfort that it was used as a sign of love but also pain. Very creative!!
I liked that the rose intended to take up its design flaws with its maker. I wonder whether her complaint will achieve anything?
Lovely post. Poor rose would be so much happier if she was left where she belonged!
Yes, indeed.
Thanks, Penny. I certainly have a few questions for when I meet my maker.
I just Googled why roses have thorns. The theory is that the thorns protect the sweet-smelling flower from animals wanting to eat it. So, acceptance of its thorns might be the best route for the rose.
Thanks, Brenda.
Thank you very much.
The rose was was such a great prompt and I really enjoyed reading all the different takes and listening to a favourite song.
Yes, indeed.
Such a philosophical rose. So sad that her life is cut short to cater to a human whim. Like Penny, I particularly liked the line about the design flaw..