I have seen roses bleed red

I

I have seen roses bleed red and

The truest hearts beaten blue but

To myself I remain true

(Or try to).

You stood beside my attempts,

Accepted my delicate pretense.

I have seen roses bleed red and

Beaten violets turn blue but

One thing I know is true:

(This I will keep to the end)

I have the truest friend;

And so do you.

II

I saw her blood

Under a defective street light

On a misty Denver night

As she was hugging me—

Wanting a reaction,

A demanded interaction,

Some human emotion but

I was alone,

An Egyptian stone.

I have seen love betrayed,

Played the role of the confessor;

I have watched compassion fade away

And leave its remnants for another day;

I have seen roses bleed red and

I don’t want to see it again.