Have you met the elegant Rose Man?

He’s not so easy to miss.

There’s an embroidered rose

On all of his clothes,

And the scent of them lingers

Wherever he goes.

Have you seen his exquisite home?

In the clutches of perfumed climbers.

Misplaced hands come away full of thorns:

The perfect bloom is a signal which warns

Of the pull of the beauty

That danger dons.

Have you looked any more closely?

At the trembling mass of blossoms,

All kinds of colours and sizes,

The bushy tangle arises.

Beneath, the labyrinth of spikes

May hide infinite surprises.

Have you ventured inside?

Into the flowers’ embrace.

Through the carved wooden door,

Onto the petal-scattered floor

Where the pretty perennial

Dominates the decor.

Have you sat at his grand table?

He always offers hospitality.

On plush patterned seats

You’ll eat floral sweets

And sticky, syrupy,

Heady flavoured baked treats.

Has he shown you his ample pantry?

Preserved and pickled petals,

Tea to make you feel cosy,

One with lavender so you feel dozy,

And after you’ve come to visit,

Brown paper packaged parcels

Of meats: sweet and Rosy.