Thorns: The Pain of Beauty

They admire my petals,
soft as whispers, kissed by the sun.
They reach for me,
drawn by my fragrance, intoxicated by my hue.
But they forget—
beauty does not come without pain.

My thorns stand guard,
etched in the flesh of those
who hold me carelessly,
who pluck without thought,
who love without knowing
that love has a cost.

I did not choose them—these thorns.
They grew with me,
woven into my being,
etched in my spine,
a silent testament that even beauty
must learn how to defend itself.

Yet, even I wonder—
Am I the flower, or am I the thorns?
Am I the softness, or the strength?
Perhaps I am both.
Perhaps I must be.

For the world is not kind to the unguarded.
And though I ache to be held without harm,
I know—
without my thorns,
I would not survive.

While writing this poem I have used Free Verse style.

Explanation: Free verse allows for an organic and emotional flow, mirroring the unpredictability of life’s struggles. Without a rigid rhyme scheme or meter, it captures the raw emotions of pain, resilience, and self-discovery. Just like thorns on a rose, life’s challenges do not follow a structured pattern—they emerge naturally, shaping us in unexpected ways. This form gives the poem a conversational yet deeply introspective feel, making it more relatable and impactful for readers.

Questions for you

🌹 Have you ever felt like your struggles were a part of you, just like the thorns on a rose? How did they shape you?

🌿 Do you think thorns are a sign of strength or a reminder of pain? Or perhaps both?

💔 If beauty comes with struggle, what do you think is the “thorn” in your own journey? How has it helped you grow?

✨ Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Your reflections and experiences matter.