The Rose

Today I stopped to pick a rose.

From a burning bush, the finest one I chose.

The final fruit from summer spent.

I held it close and breathed its scent.

In my hand, I stood and listened.

In the sun, red petals glistened.

It was perfect, a gift from God.

Its stem and thorns did not seem odd.

Deeming it special, I wanted it preserved.

So I tossed it in the water near where two rivers converged.

At first the flower peacefully floated.

I stood and watched and silently gloated.

Then the rushing waters came.

My feelings turned from pride to shame.

But it made it through by gently spinning.

That’s how we survive and enjoy the winning.

The waters continued to take it away.

I turned and stepped to start my day.

Later I thought about that rose.

It’s my life, the one I chose.

The ones we love, we must hold close.

That is how we get the most.

But when the strong waters of life come, it does not mean that we are done.

We cannot deny who we are, even if life takes us far.

Later I returned because I needed to see.

That rose had moved on.

That rose was me ...

Author's Note

welcome any feedback good, bad, whatever don't be shy I can take it

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"The Rose"
Pete,
Fine, strong, beautiful in symetry; that is the rose. it is remarkable no matter the color. How many of us through time have found inspiration in the rose. You have and i know I have too. Your poem caught the life and movement of water. Movement of life and the swirl of experiences. Lovely poem.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Pete]

thank you Kathy for your sweet, fragrant thoughts. they are appreciated ... :)

"He who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers." - Thoreau

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Hey Pete,
I don't know if you were able to read my rose poem. It is a red citrus fragrance and was putting out a flower between november and January. I had never seen anything like that before and it was really wonderful! Your rose poem was the best!
Blessings,
kathy

[Hebe]

.....that rose is you....threw and threw ....

[Pete]

yes, thorns and all! thank you Hebe.

[Hebe]

.....hey, whats a few thorns! ;)

[Pete]

Just a few LOL. I will be round soon to read - working on another one...

[wordman]

a beautiful write pete,and the image you painted was as beautiful
your feelings shows through your write

[Pete]

Thanks kind sir.

[wordman]

my pleasure my friend !

[Junction]

I really enjoyed reading it. The rose is all of us. We all have a journey before us. Just believe
in yourself. Great poem!

[Prantik Ali]

I loved the message and the personification of the rose with a human life.
Great work!!! :) :) :)

[Pete]

Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to read it.

[Willard Wells]

Very nice reflection on one's life in the journey of a rose. Well done.

[Pete]

Thanks for taking the time to review! I'm meeting a lot of new people here and I look forward to reading more of everyone's stuff.

[M. Shepherd]

I think you may be limiting your expression by adhering to a rhyming scheme, I would try writing it without rhyming it and see what happens. Also if it's made clear the plight of the rose you shouldn't have to explicitly say at the end that it represents you.

[Pete]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback!