Winter Roses (Sonnet)

East Kent, 17 February 2019

See the timid winter roses

Buffeted by snow and wind

Shy debutantes, geisha faces

Imperilled but undimmed.

On each tiny threadlike tendril

Forever buds show rub of rain

Daubs of pink are pricked at bridal

White with cruel stain.

What can it mean, I question?

Forbearance, to be sure

Modelled prettily in my garden

Why then look for more?

Caprice of beauty, this quiet refrain

Lodged implacably in my brain.