Cruel Words and Rose Thorns: A Poem (With Bonus Haiku)

John is a long-time poet, short fiction, and article writer. He loves story-telling and also has a Certificate in Permaculture Design.

Poems About Flowers and Gardens

Apart from the theme of “Love,” flowers (especially roses) and gardens are probably the most popular subject for poets over the years. I have read so many, and even written a few. This is understandable as everyone loves flowers, or at least I don’t know anyone who doesn’t.

I can’t imagine not having a garden, even though mine deserves more attention than it gets most of the time. The weeds demand more attention then the flowers unfortunately.

These poems were originally written as part of my contribution to April Poetry Month. I hope you enjoy.

Cruel Words and Rose Thorns

A spiky rose thorn

Pierces skin,

Drawing blood

From deep within.

Cruel words can do

The very same,

Causing wounds

That will remain.

Rose Haiku One (Skin Deep)

A rose so pretty

but beware its thorny stem

disguised as beauty.

Rose Haiku Two (Color Scents)

A rose may be red

and a violet be blue,

but which smells sweeter?

Rose Haiku Three (True Beauty)

A yellow rose grows

among the thistles and weeds.

True beauty shines through.

Rose Haiku Four (A Rose of Many Colours)

Some roses are red,

others yellow, pink, or white

But I’m colour blind.

© 2017 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 16, 2021:

Exactly, Devika. Sometimes we are distracted by the beauty and fail to see the dangers lurking behind it.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 16, 2021:

Jodah your poems are written to be remembered and to teach lessons to us. Sometimes what we see isn't always true there is pain behind it.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 15, 2021:

Your words are so true and reflect the meaning of the first poem, Vidya. Glad you enjoyed the haiku also.

VIDYA D SAGAR on June 15, 2021:

Beautiful poems John. I loved the Haiku poems. Lovely pictures too. When we appreciate the beauty of the rose, we often forget the thorns. It is relatable to life in general. Pleasure is not without pain. Have a wonderful day.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 15, 2021:

Thank you for your generous comment, Rosina. Take care.

Rosina S Khan on June 15, 2021:

I loved the little poem and the Haikus too. All of them are beautiful, teaching us a lesson. Thanks for sharing, John.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 14, 2021:

Haha, I love that verse Moondot. Gotta be careful of bees too. Thank you for reading and for your nice comment.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 14, 2021:

Yes, it takes awhile to settle back in.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 14, 2021:

Ok great, I will check it.

EK Jadoon from Abbottabad Pakistan on June 14, 2021:

Beautiful poem, Jodah. You always come up with new and interesting topics. I would like to add:

A rose may be red

and a violet be blue,

but which smells sweeter?

I cant smell

Because I'm allergic to pollen

Thanks for sharing with us.

Stay safe and healthy...

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on June 14, 2021:

Finding it a bit hard to get back to the swing of writing....but I'll get there.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on June 14, 2021:

Yes. We are back for now.

I posted a new word prompt.

It's on Week 17...I updated it.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 14, 2021:

Thank you, Brenda. Great to hear from you. Are you back from your vacation?

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on June 14, 2021:

John

I love the way you compare the thorn of a rose to the way words can hurt our soul.

Great job.

I loved the Haikus too.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 14, 2021:

Thank you, Misbah,

I have seen photos of a black rose, yes, I too think it may be very dark purple.

Thank you for your kind comment and for the lovely Persian Proverb. I love it. Blessings back to you.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on June 14, 2021:

John, I loved it. The last haiku is so beautiful. It's good to be color blind as every color has its own grace and meaning. Have you ever seen black rose? I am not sure if they truly exist? Some people say It's dark purple in real.

This one is for you dear friend, “The world is a rose, smell it, and pass it to your friends.” – Persian Proverb

Stay safe, healthy and smiling

Many Blessings to you

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 14, 2021:

I have updated this article and added an additional haiku and video.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on September 03, 2017:

I am humbled by your generous comment, Kenneth. Talent is in the eye of the beholder, as is beauty. Glad you were moved by this. Will talk to you soon.

Kenneth Avery from Hamilton, Alabama on September 02, 2017:

Wow, Jodah!

I am moved by this poem. And the gorgeous graphics.

You are much more talented than I.

I mean it, dear friend. I could learn from you.

And do not blush--for it is the truth.

Please keep in touch with me for (due to my health) I do not know when my next sabbatical may be).

Kenneth

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 18, 2017:

Hi, Tamara. Yes, I try to have a deeper meaning in most of my writing, and hopefully not too far below the surface. Glad you found this enjoyable.

Tamara Moore on June 18, 2017:

I did enjoy this poem of yours with deep and important meaning.

Tamara

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on June 07, 2017:

Hi Shauna. Thank you for that lovely comment. No, I don't think you told me that before, but I am honoured. Between you, and MsDora who said I was one of only two poets whose work she read regularly.. What more could I ask?

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on June 07, 2017:

John, this final ode to Poetry Month is as breathtaking as the flowers you feature in this hub. You are truly talented, my friend. Have I told you you're my favorite poet?

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 27, 2017:

Yes, you are right, Lawrence. People can be prickly and not always realize how much they are hurting others. Glad you enjoyed this.

Lawrence Hebb on May 27, 2017:

So true on both counts. Roses may be beautiful, but they have 'prickly' stems to protect the Rose, just like we're often 'prickly'.

I wonder if we realise the damage we do to others?

Really enjoyed this

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 06, 2017:

Thank you very much, Debangee. Glad you enjoyed this.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 06, 2017:

Yes, Chris. Life is certainly a rose. Thanks for the birthday wishes..it is just past midnight here now. Much appreciated.

DEBANGEE MANDAL from India on May 06, 2017:

Thorns may be present here and there disguised in beauty. Very well said . Absolutely loved it.

Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on May 06, 2017:

Life is a rose, isn't it, John? The beautiful and the painful. Happy birthday, friend. I know it's probably past by now down your way, but I woke up this morning to a helpful notification.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 05, 2017:

Thank you for reading, Jo, and for the lovely comment. So glad it brightened your day. I am sure your flowers are beautiful.

Jo Miller from Tennessee on May 05, 2017:

Thank you for this beautiful offering to cheer me this morning. It's my favorite time of year, and I've been busy during these spring days nurturing my flowers as they begin to bloom. It's so pleasant to come here and see your tribute to roses and poetry.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 01, 2017:

Thank you John. Your comment is greatly appreciated.

John Ward on May 01, 2017:

I did Like this poem. It spoke to my spirit and said more than words. Good work John my Friend. I am keeping this on Hand. John

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 01, 2017:

That is so true, Venkat. Thank you for reading.

Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on May 01, 2017:

Beautiful poems and Haiku poetry. Roses are so beautiful! But, they come with their thorns. Just like Happiness comes with sad moments and sorrows.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 01, 2017:

Thank you, Debangee. I appreciate that.

DEBANGEE MANDAL from India on May 01, 2017:

Rhythmic poems with inspirational, worthwhile, relevant meaning.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 01, 2017:

Thank you as always, Shyron. Glad you enjoyed these poems, photos and the video.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on May 01, 2017:

Yes, you are right Linda. Roses are strange flowers but I love them. Thank you for your kind words.

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on April 30, 2017:

John, the poems and pictures are beautiful and I love the video very much.

Blessings always

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on April 30, 2017:

These are nice poems to celebrate the end of Poetry Month, John. I love roses, although they are strange flowers. They can give us both beauty and pain, as your poems describe so well.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Thanks for the encouraging comment, Michael. Blessings.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Thanks for reading, Clive. That is always appreciated.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Bill, I have heard blackberries can be hard to control. I don't seem to have much trouble growing roses though. Once they are established they just need sunlight and very little care. Perhaps you get too much rain. Thanks for reading.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

MsDora, there have been some wonderful poems written by my fellow poets this last month. Glad you enjoyed my humble contribution.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Thank you, Vasantha. I appreciate that.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Thanks, Mike. I tried my best. I have fallen behind in reading your hubs unfortunately but I will be over to check them out soon..promise.

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on April 30, 2017:

Hello John - You offer fine contributions to poetry month.

vasantha T k on April 30, 2017:

lovely haiku poetry, well done!!

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on April 30, 2017:

Your farewell poems do justice to the rose and the lessons they teach. What a powerful end to the expert offerings you illustrious poets have given during this month!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 30, 2017:

Roses and blackberries are my nemesis...one I can't grow well and the other I can't get rid of. That has nothing to do with you fine poetry. Just a random thought. :)

Clive Williams from Jamaica on April 30, 2017:

appreciate the share friend

Michael-Milec on April 30, 2017:

Impressive poetry

Uncompromising message

Ambitious but true

Thorns is feasible

Never words to remove

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Devika, what a wonderful comment. Thank you.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 30, 2017:

Hi your poetry is beautiful and deep! You shared with beautiful photos and lots of emotions.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Thank you so much, Audrey. Glad you enjoyed these.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 30, 2017:

Thank you, Ruby for always supporting my poetry. I am so glad you can relate and enjoy.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on April 29, 2017:

Alluring variety of poetry and a pleasant way to say goodbye to this years poetry month. I've enjoyed each one John.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 29, 2017:

John your poetry is beautiful and meaningful in many ways. I also loved the video, which is an all time favorite of mine.....

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 29, 2017:

Thank you, Lori. Much appreciated.

Lori Colbo from United States on April 29, 2017:

Roses are my favorite flower and poetry is my favorite medium of writing. You did both justice here. Nice work John.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 29, 2017:

They sure can, Coffeequeen. Thank you so much for your kind words.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 29, 2017:

I don't write haiku often, Manatita. But thought I'd get a few in before the end of US poetry month. Glad you enjoyed these, and love roses.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 29, 2017:

I knew you were a rose lover, Eric. Thanks for the kind words. How can anyone not love that song?

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 29, 2017:

Thanks for stopping to smell the roses, Mark.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on April 29, 2017:

Yes, Threekeys. Life is like a rose. Thanks for reading, and happy Hubbing.

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on April 29, 2017:

Yes, words can hurt and remain. Beautiful poetry and true words.

manatita44 from london on April 29, 2017:

Really excellent haiku's bro. I see you're using my favourite flower. Nice!

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on April 29, 2017:

I love contemplating words and growing my roses. And I love John's poetry. You hit a grand slam on this one. Thank you.

Oh yes I love that song.

Mark Tulin from Palm Springs, California on April 29, 2017:

Some sweet smelling poems. Thanks John

Threekeys on April 29, 2017:

Life comes with moments of sweetness together with moments of bitter sweetness just as the rose has sweet beauty but comes with its sharp thorns. Love your images. Farewell to American Poetry month 2017, too. Thankyou Jodah.