The Rose Joyce C. Lock     Once, just a sprout, amongst weeds and vines; Braving nature's storms and winter's cold blight. Repressed and pierced in the thorns of life, God sprinkles with dew, replenishing in the night. Ascending beyond trials, affliction, and strife, A bud launches growth ... toward God's own light. Restoring in His warmth (tranquility sublime); Strengthened in the journey, to continue with might. Reaching ever upward ... Heavenly inspired; Divine radiance descends. Sun and flower unite. A delicate bud (beautified and refined) Blossoms into a rose, then climbs to new heights.   © by Joyce C. Lock   Please Visit Joyce     The Thorn and The Rose Joyce C. Lock     One is a thorn, another a rose. Few are friends. More be foes. Having compassion, others impose. Many shed gloom. Less spread glows. You needn't touch or detect by nose. Every heart knows a thorn from a rose.     © by Joyce C. Lock   Please Visit Joyce         Page Created By Pam Gallo