The Other Rose
by
Jennifer Angelina Petro
Unravel the fragrant mass carefully.
Open it, like an orange, letting the petals fall
In a heap in your hands. Remember this moment
Forever. The secret of secrets
Is not in the pages of holy books.
It is not in places of worship.
The center of the rose is nearer to the thorns
Than to the blossom. Nearer to the effort
Than to the bliss. Nearer to the heart
of your devotions than to the goal.
And never will you find it
In the other rose.
