I do not offer you

A single perfect rose

But instead I offer

The idea of one.

For an ideal rose

Shall never wither

For lack of water

And shall never die

From lack of care.

The rose I give to you

Is from my mind's eye

And my heart's hand

And is never given lightly

But gently to a lover

Or solemnly to a friend.

~David Bedno, 1990~