A Tale of Guns and Roses

Walking through the woods one day

I came upon a clearing

and there I saw a field of roses

their color so alluring.

 

My weary heart quickened

at the sight so rare

and my once tired feet

felt as light as air.

 

While I drank in the fragrance

of roses wafting in the breeze,

a woman dressed in a flowing gown

appeared from behind the trees.

 

Her face was a ghostly white

but she glistened like the sun

and in her pale fragile hand

I thought I saw a gun.

 

I held my breath, my head started to spin

and then my body froze,

for as she laid the gun to rest

it turned into a rose.

Author's Note

I was always intrigued by the name given to the group 'Guns and Roses' and wanted to write something that sent a message. The act of the woman 'planting' the gun is suppose to represent the idea of eliminating gun violence in our culture.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

there is a message here...if we all laid our guns down, the world could become a bed of roses and a large room filled with peace and love.

love the message...i really like your poetry, Dara...

[Dara]

I am really humbled by your warm review. Thank you so very much!

[~]

Oh, this really touched my heart. What a benevolent meaning you share with us. I loved the idea of planting. It is always an act of giving, and not taking.

[Dara]

That is a beautiful way to look at it. As a teacher I always preferred positive reinforcement to the negative forms. Thank you so much for your lovely comment.

[~]

Me too - there is more weight in positives :D

[Matching Socks]

That was beautiful Dara, for a tool of violence to be buried, making way for love and peace.
Very nice idea!

[Dara]

Thank you so much. Wish it could be so easy. Your review means alot to me.

[Matching Socks]

You're welcome Dara. :)

[Pushkar Prabhat]

WoW!!!!!
amazing amazing poem Mam.........seriously!!!!
just when i thought this was like "into the woods" the gun and aftermath blew my mind!!!
beautiful poem!!!
i loved it!!!
:)

[Dara]

Oh thank you so much! I am not sure everyone will 'get it' but am so happy you did. It is a subject close to my heart.

[Pushkar Prabhat]

they will get it Mam.........it was my pleasure!!! :) :)

[Samuel Dickens]

When the gun turned into a rose, I thought of these words by Joni Mitchell--"And I dreamed I saw the bomber jet planes riding shotgun in the sky, turning into butterflies above our nation" (from the song, Woodstock) Your poem is wonderful, and expresses a sentiment I truly condone.

[Dara]

I know that Joni Mitchell song well and those lyrics relate perfectly. I had hoped you might run across this poem and understand where I was coming from. Many thanks, Sam.

[MsJewel]

I left a comment a few moments ago and then my computer froze - not sure if it will show up -

Dara - you have outdone yourself - the images you have created are lovely and the message - just as lovely. I've found my new favorite poem by you.

:) Julie

[Dara]

Thank you Julie! Seeing your comment made my day. I hope yours is a wonderful one :-)