Blood Rose

So a rose sprouts up from bloody earth,

For that you cannot blame it.

Don’t judge it for its place of birth,

For other’s crimes don’t shame it.

It may be as lovely as the rest

Upon its blood stained plain,

Even more, be the best,

This rose that mourns those slain.

From out of death

This new life

Does greet the judging world.

The rose born out of strife

Can take away man’s breath,

Bring warmth to them that are cold.

That rose understands such pain,

Knows war is no jest.

With its memory man can gain

A burning in his chest.

Do not try to take and tame it.

Do not cease from joy and mirth.

For in your memory do frame it,

Keeping warm with family and hearth.

Let the beauty of the blood rose give both warning and joy.

Do not let the threat of death e’er thy heart annoy.