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I rise, an unwanted memory
fouling your self-serving thoughts
I interrupt your daily flow
pricking your smug conscience
I stop you in your tracks
like the briar rose snarling
the poorly used path
My thorny words remind you –
the mistake was yours to make
It’s Quadrille time over on dVerse – a poem of 44 words, no more no less. Such a fun idea! Bjorn, our charming host, as invited us to write thinking about ‘rose’, whether it’s a noun, verb or both. I went for both (at least I used the present tense of ‘rose’, which I think counts 😉
Why not head on over to dVerse and immerse yourself in what the poets have offered up this week? You can always take part yourself too!
Freya Writes... 
That simile of the snarling briar rose… what words, I can feel them stinging.
Thank you, Bjorn. I don’t know where this came from, I’m not harbouring any personal issues that needed to be express this way!
And you also used the briar rose, that cruel trap for the unwary walker which is best viewed from a safe distance!
Memories of country walks with my parents helped with this – nettles where my other nemesis!
Excellent. For someone who says they have no issues to express, this one really hit right between the eyes! Really good
Thank you! Lol, I have many issues, but just not these ones at the moment. Although the whole Brexit situation is bothering me a great deal, but I’m keeping my powder dry on that one… or maybe this is an unexpected venting to do with that…
Could be. I don’t understand the whole Brexit thing and being American, I am letting you all do the commenting and such yourselves without adding my ignorant voice. I wish others outside the US would do the same thing about our politics. It seems it has knocked you into a bit of a cocked hat and I am sorry for that. I do hope things get better.
It’s confusing enough for us directly involved, to be honest. I don’t blame you for not getting involved! I am at a similar remove regarding US politics – although it’s of worldwide impact who ends up in the White House… and it seems that Brexit is having a global effect as well.
Yes. But politics and religion are two of my “don’t discuss” topics….and it works out well.
Yes, that’s a good plan. I have a few friends who I know can have strong discussions on these subjects without falling out, but I’ve learned that isn’t the case with most people!
Yeppers. Which is why I keep my opinions to myself. Only my husband and long time friend know how I feel about things. That’s me, mystery woman.
The picture, the word choice, the repetition – all create a powerful and prickly quadrille. You do wonderful things!
Thank you so much, Jilly!
Oh, I agree!
I particularly like the doubled meaning of “snarling”. I’m feeling a bit bleak, too. This poem suited me.
Thank you, Sarah. I hope your bleak mood lifts soon!
I wouldn’t want to get pricked by that thing lol
Neither would I!
Ouch! I’d hate to run into this thorn bush, or the protagonist of this poem. Well done.
Thank you!
oh yes….those brambles, those thorns that can stop us in our tracks. So well done and a unique take on the prompt!
Thank you so much, Lillian!
Yikes! Enough to put me off of roses! Your poem brilliantly offered all the menace that image implied.
Thank you! I fell off my bike into a rose bush with similar thorns when I was little. Somehow I managed to get away with only three big gashes to one leg!
Those thorns have some lessons to bestow…best pay heed! I really enjoyed your unique focus on the thorns of those beautiful posies.
Thank you!
I will take heed of your warning, smiles ~ Love how that briar rose can prick our conscience ~
Thank you!
Unwanted memories, the pangs of guilt like the thorns of a rose… so nicely done!
Thank you!
Powerful piece! I especially love the last two lines, “My thorny words remind you – the mistake was yours to make.” So neatly done~ 🙂
Thank you, Maria 🙂
My pleasure, Frey! 🙂
I love the fierce tone! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂
sounds like a fight that is not yet resolved…love how you used the rose in this…not the beautiful flower part, but the harsh and thorny stem.
Thank you so much, Bryan. I thought it would be an eye-catching alternative to the flower!
And given that opportunity, they tend to make that mistake, Freya. Very prescient and powerful!
Thank you, Walt!
Oh I like this a lot….the attitude is undeniable like the briar rose snarling.” Wonderful.
Thank you, Mish.
Excellent Quadrille. It could apply to many mistakes of which we are reminded. And I love your picture. One of my rose bushes actually has even more thorns than that one.
Indeed it could – we are a mistake-making species!
Oh, that use of the verb “snarling” here is fantastic. I can feel it, AND hear it.
Thank you so much!
Regrets, mistakes, and squandered opportunities haunt us- until the day we see that that’s precisely what got us to be at this place of strength we find ourselves in – or at least makes some good writing 😉
Thank you for your thoughts, Victoria! Yes, those mistakes can be fertile ground for our growth!
Oh prickly! It reminds me of my garden and Sleeping Beauty.
Oh, Sleeping Beauty! I hadn’t thought of that!
Those thorny wild roses that block our paths and all too often prick our consciences. Much enjoyed.
Thank you, Victoria!
The striking image goes well with the succinct and confronting poem.
Thank you, Rosemary.
I like the bluntness of this.
Thank you so much.
I really like “briar rose snarling” – that’s marvellous.
Thank you, Misky.