Rose Poem by Zachary Zuccaro

Hello Rose,
you mindless,
emotionaless
plant
who has been honored and praised
through the entire history
of human literature.

Are you really worthy
of all that flattery?
Who would have thought
a flower whose stem
is covered with thorns
would become the most commonly praised
flower in all of history?

I am sorry dear Rose,
but you do not compare
to the orchid, the violet, the marigold,
the geranium or rhododendron.

You are selfish and arrogant
believing you are the best.
Even the dandelion has its charm,
what makes you better than the rest?

Yet who am I
to contest the greatest poets who have ever lived?
Who am I to protest your overuse and abuse?
You who have become cliche.

Nevertheless,
I protest.