The Call: Look Not on the Thorns/Linda Luna

Today’s Call and Response come from Linda Luna/DARK SIDE OF THE MOON and Chuck/The Reluctant Poet.

“Without thorns there would be no roses.” —Author unknown

Be not afraid of my mean features.
You have them too, you know.
Our friendship includes pain
Not unexpected,
But the pricks are small compared to all
We add to one another.
So much of the way is smooth, and delicate, and green,
And what of all the other shows of color?
The reds and yellows, pinks and vibrant whites?
Will you close your eyes upon their beauty
Simply because you despise the sting?
The fear you fear allows us to find comfort.
The loss you cast aside makes way for gain.
Our strength comes when we recognize our weakness.
And healing is known through the hurts we have to mend.
My darling, look not on the thorns,
But on the roses.