Little Rose

I accidentally severed a rose blossom from the plant while pulling away vines.

I did not mean
to pull you free
from life
from hope
from fortune

I was only trying
to help you be
to pull the vines
that choked you

And so I did
with vim and joy
thinking how sweet—
such wonder

Then I slipped
spying nigh
You, O blossom
sundered

I took you up
I filled a cup
I sat you
softly inside

That you might
endure a while
that from my shame
I might hide