The Rose Tattoo

She had a tiny rose tattoo
just an inch or so in size.
After years of deliberation,
her courage finally materialized.

She's the only person
who will even know it's there,
unless, of course, she wanted
them to see it and she shared.

A tiny rose and nothing more
she chose to symbolize
a difficult and bumpy life
so please don't criticize.

The branch behind, her long lifeline,
its thorns to show what's past.
The bud is for what's yet to come,
some peaceful hope at last.

The tiny rose is painted
deep red to show her passion.
Its petals soft and gently bloomed,
red for love, a celebration.

It's just a tiny rose tattoo
an inch or so in size.
A tiny rose, that's all it is,
her life to symbolize.