Ann Lawrence, "Roses and Thorns" (1928)
By Ann Lawrence
The thorns in love's garden
How they do stick !
As we gather the roses
The thorns will prick.
All roses have thorns
Some have only one.
It pricks ! in a moment
The hurt is done.
Oft' the rose we have given
The most tender care
Will bid us know
The thorn is there.
Roses and thorns grow
Not far apart,
They each have a place
In the human heart.
Then know while inhaling
Its fragrance at morn;
Though sweet, and I love you,
A rose has a thorn.
Published in The Messenger, April 1928