Thornless

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Thornless, the rose hath lost its beauty.
Its petals remain as fragrant;
Its color still as deep;
Yet, thornless its beauty fades.

Would that strife and anguish be eased;
That pain linger no more.
Would that life be carefree;
Yet, thornless its beauty fades.

It is hardship that causes joy.
It is heartache that brings forth peace.
They create a life worth living; 
For thornless its beauty fades.

Thornless, the rose hath lost its beauty.
Its petals remain as fragrant;
Its colors still as deep;
Yet, thornless its beauty fades.
                                            -- Brian Shivers, 2011

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