The Paper Rose

The Paper Rose


This paper rose I hold in my hand—

A silly, yet charming gesture,
Made me smile and brought me pleasure.
Seven months later, still holding on to this token,
But like it, now my heart is broken.

So, I’m letting go of this paper rose—

And a single releasing motion
Frees my heart of divided devotion;
Lets go of trying to work things out
Which brought only pain, disappointment, and doubt.

I’ve learned a lesson from this paper rose—

Don’t hold on when God is taking away.
Let go of the dreams of yesterday.
New hopes blossom each new morning;
Have faith, trust God, and heed the warning

Of the little white paper rose.