Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful thorns have roses.
– Alphonse Karr
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The first time I came across this quote, I was working in a flower shop where part of my job was to remove the thorns from all the roses. The task literally shredded the skin on my hands, turning my fingers into a cracked, green-stained twigs. Flower shops aren’t nearly as glamorous as everyone thinks! Ah, I’ve digressed.
One morning, I switched the calendar page to a new month, (June, I believe), and Karr’s quote immediately caught my eye. I never again complained about another thorn I had to remove, because I was reminded to focus on the petals. The same is true with life in general – thorns are everywhere and can easily fill our view, but they don’t make up the whole picture.
I, for one, believe in roses.
Regent's Park, London, June 2011, c.b.w.
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c.b. 2012
C.B. Wentworth 