Roses

Three hundred years after Christ's birth Just south of Rome on fertile land, Grew the sweetest queen of all flowers, Roses cultivated by man. The poet Horace once expressed That roses were worth more than grain, Seed fills a hungry man's stomach Where roses feed his heart and brain. Flourishing in ancient China, Grown by monks for two thousand years. Roses symbolized man's passion For envy, sadness, love and tears. Nero spent fortunes on roses Whose petals showered down on his guests, He wished to teach his subjects That roses were an emperor's best. So take down your shovels and plant, Placing roses around your home. For their sweet scent and great beauty Are from heaven to us on loan.