Love is a rose, but you'd better not pick it Only grows when it's on the vine Handful of thorns and you know you've missed it Lose your love when you say the word mine By Linda Ronstadt The Living Rose My heart says to pick this beautiful rose, I want to make your love mine If I do pick it, how long will it last? If I do try to possess it for myself will it wilt and die quickly? Will it lose its beautiful aroma? Love flourishes when it has nourishment to grow. When nothing is expected of it but to stay as it is. When it is shared, not when it is owned. When picked and owned its aroma will fade in jealousy and anger. Yes, love like a rose is surrounded by thorns but the beauty and aroma will prevail if not possessed.