In a paragraph or more, employ symbols, metaphors, and other figures of speech to write a poem that looks like a short story — but isn’t. It’s either both or just a poem hiding in a paragraph, or a paragraph hiding in a poem, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a sheep in wolf’s clothing. It’s hard to decide which. If it does become multiple paragraphs, then it will really try to fool you into thinking it’s actually the mini bar of a story you never asked for but got, kind of like the person at a party that just went on and on about the weather (or some superfluous fact you just weren’t listening to). Smile and nod until the whole thing is done and it’s made its point. Then, go grab some punch.
This poem is copyright 2026 by Jessica McLean. File sharing is encouraged.
“In writing choose the common words; avoid rhapsody and eloquence—yet, it is true, poetry is delicious; the best prose is that which is most full of poetry.”
— Virginia Woolf, from her essay, “Montaigne“
The Rose 
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