Petals and Thorns

“Petals and Thorns”

By Adena M’lynn 

Speak—

but do so like walking through roses.

Let your words be petals—

soft, intentional,

fragrant with truth and tremble.

But don’t ignore the thorns.

See them. Name them.

They are sharp with history,

barbed with shame,

ready to bleed anyone who dares

brush too close without armor.

Still—

we speak.

We reach into the bramble

and carve a path not just for ourselves

but for the ones who come next.

We don’t pretend the way is painless.

We simply make it possible.

So say it.

Say it like a lantern in the dark,

like petals laid over broken glass—

a softness that says,

You’re not alone.

You can speak here too.

Because healing is not the absence of thorns,

but the courage to bloom anyway—

and make the path

clearer, safer, truer

for the ones still waiting

to find their voice

in the garden.