My Favorite Devonshire

Winter's Rose

white frost streaks her hair
smooth ice-sculpture skin of youth
     stroked by cracks
            wrinkles that have weathered life
                 skin once firmly packed sags

in the mirror a figure she doesn’t recognize
    but she laughs
          budding spring beauty
               summer rose that danced through seemingly timeless evenings

restless rebellion came with fall
     withering, yearning

but winter, sweet winter
fills her heart with warm memories
     resignation, acceptance of a life well-lived
               a spirit that will never die

winter’s rose smiles, prepares for eternal life


*Entry for Gail's "Inspirational" poems contest
by Carolyn Devonshire

I can't believe the wonderful contest idea I have been missing out on since I took my brief break from Soup this past weekend. I came back to find many posts of Carolyn Devonshire's most amazing work. And so it was my goal tonight before logging off, to look through my list of favorites and see which one I would choose to showcase. 

Well, there were at least five of her poems that I just loved: "A Forgotten Box," the senryu set "Candlelight Passion," an adorable personification of flowers called "Flower Prom," the profound poem of imagination called "Unicorn," and last but not least, the one shown above here, "Winter's Rose." I decided on this one because earlier today in talking with Carolyn, she expressed to me that "Winter's Rose" happened to be one of her personal favorites. I was so pleased to discover that it was also one I had chosen to put into MY favorites list about a month ago! 

"Winter's Rose" is a poet's look into her own soul. And she uses metaphors of the seasons, something I personally enjoy doing in my own poetry. I love when Carolyn writes this way and I agree with her, this is one of her very best free verse poems ever! I hope Carolyn will continue with her restless spirit well into the deepest of winters. She is an awesome friend and poet! (Carolyn, may your memories be happy ones always. And know that you have many friends here rooting for you. Luv, Andrea )
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Davis Avatar
June 21, 2014 at 9:54 PM
Andrea What a wonderful and charming tribute to this poet. You did a great job with your dedication and write. Thank you for the great comment on my Homeless poem.
Maverick Avatar
January 12, 2014 at 4:19 PM
I wish you late congratulations Andrea, on the super win here, I remember Carolyn1st to as one of the 1st to welcome me at soup.. ' I think you did this very well, I am not up to much at the moment, will chase up more of your writes as I get time..'
Brown Avatar
June 12, 2012 at 1:27 PM
Congratulations on your super win in Gwen's contest Andrea. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
June 11, 2012 at 9:47 AM
Thanks so much for choosing one of my own favorites, Andrea. As you indicate in your comment, this poem is very personal and does reflect my views on how we should live life to the fullest. Free verse is the form I chose when I first started writing. "Unicorn" was written in college; the others you mentione are new. Thank you for your kind words and congratulations on your win! Love, Carolyn
Williams Avatar
June 11, 2012 at 2:04 AM
Andrea, congrats on your win..David
Song Avatar
June 10, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Andrea--Again, just wanted to say a big big thank you for celebrating the poetry of Carolyn...You chose an excellent free verse to showcase! She must be beaming with love and joy to read these wonderful narrations! :) Gwendolen
Salama  Avatar
June 10, 2012 at 5:15 AM
You highlighted Carolyn's talent beautifully with your choice. Your tribute to your friend is lovely. Congratulations on your win Andrea! :)
A   Avatar
May 27, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Andrea, the women that will never get old... How are you today... Stopping by to read the golden poem, you choose, of Miss Devonshire,.. She is splendid, always taking a sad poem, and at the same time...some how she makes us feel better... Through out the year, she has gotten under my skin..in the best poetry way... her poetry always refines, her life..no wonder she found a way into our heart. This poem, is a great movement to pick on your behalf. Thanks, for saying hi...good luck..pd
Maverick Avatar
May 23, 2012 at 4:04 PM
Love the tribute you have posted here Andrea, Carolyn is a great asset to soup:)
Michaels Avatar
May 23, 2012 at 3:27 PM
Beautiful!
Song Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 7:48 PM
Andrea! What a splendid choice...I believe another poet chose this one also! It showcases her ability to use metaphors with the greatest finesse! She really is a master at writing. The comments below are so touching--I pray they are music to Carolyn's soul! Thanks for your whole-hearted participation in this contest, Andrea. You are an amazing encourager! Love, Gwendolen
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 5:27 PM
A beautiful tribute Andrea and more beautiful poem to showcase! I almost chose this one, too. It was in my top three. When I read it, I get teary eyed from the beauty and honesty. Love and Blessings, Rhonda
Sweetheart Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 4:50 PM
a wonderful tribte to CD and a most amazing set of expressions Andrea.. u have the heart and soul of a poet my friend and it is always a joy to read your creativity luv.. nicely penned ..
Devonshire Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Thank you for your kind words about "Winter's Rose," Andrea. Indeed, this could be a portrait of many women. "Unicorn" was written in college, but the other poems you mentioned are new. Than you also for your friendship. It means a lot to me, Andrea. Love, Carolyn
Horne Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 1:42 PM
What a wonderful tribute to Carolyn - I know she'll love reading these
Babcock Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Nice one Andrea on a tribute to Carolyn. I did one today so see what you think. You went in-depth on yours -nice job. love phyl
Kendrick Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Great one honoring Carolyn and her work..Reads like winniing material to me..Good luck in the contest..I am sure Carolyn will appreciate this..Sara
Kendrick Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Your presence at my work is always so uplifting..Sara
Onclaud Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 11:25 AM
a dedication so well expressed with lines that mirror carolyn's emotions and slices of life, andie... i like!..:) huggs!
Austin Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 11:14 AM
When Carolyn looks in the mirror she might see the above description, but everyone on the other side sees an angel. Love, daver
Sivey Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 9:15 AM
I really enjoyed your kind words about Carolyn and those directly to Carolyn! You are very sweet Andrea! This is a wonderfully written poem from Carolyn! This is one of her best ones! I remember when she wrote this write and I very much enjoyed it then as well as now! I too really liked her metaphors to the seasons that she wrote about! Very nicely done! She is a friend of mine and will always be one! Great Work both of you!!
Williams Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 7:24 AM
Andrea, you are right there are so many wonderful poems to choose from and every word each person has said is so true, she is a great asset to this site..david
Horsman Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 5:17 AM
Wonderful poem you picked, i also love this one. i've sent you soup mail, spent half an hour catching up with everything, being human etc, but then to long, so i'll send you another after this one. harry
Christian Avatar
May 22, 2012 at 1:22 AM
aww cool work, and thanks for your kind comment on my poem why I like to smile. God bless you
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