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The Clipped Rose

Sometimes I feel guilty when I harvest a rose somewhat vindicated for vase I hand-painted; I know they are beautiful my thought to beautify the home -- yet kindled in me sense of a predator -- be it bow rifle or scissor, even snipping what I cultivate, as the lamb I raised became Easter dinner though the family well fed I question the honor?

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Deb M

Date: 1/28/2025 1:29:00 PM

Both in a garden or vase a roses beauty shines! Lovely poem Joe! Debx

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/29/2025 5:03:00 AM

Absolutely! "A rose is a rose by any name." -- or place. They are beautiful.

Joe Maverick

Date: 1/27/2025 2:07:00 PM

All is permissable for those in Christ I beleive Joe-Dimino..Yet all to do things willfully is in a Different space..' As in hating someone in your Heart is murder..) As Jesus taught..It depends On circumstance? And whether God has placed You in 'maybe a hard situation?' Even..' life was Given to Adam and Eve..And dominion over all Creatures..And so is God over us, May He be with you.)

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/27/2025 4:50:00 PM

Yes, circumstance determines much of behavior...and, as always, God's will and not ours is best. Dominion could just mean, to take care of them? Not necessary eat them, if there are available other ways of keeping healthy and satisfied? Not suggesting that anyone should throw out that mouthwatering, aged steak. And certainly, if there is no other way of feeding one's family...of course...goes without saying.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 1/25/2025 6:57:00 PM

I believe God created certain things such as the rose to beautiful both our gardens and our homes, as long as we love them its ok, they don't mind, :)

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/25/2025 8:12:00 PM

Hi Vie (Mystic Rose) -- if anyone can tell us, maybe it is you -- Perhaps there is more than one right answer? I would like to think so. Have a great weekend Vie; thank you.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/25/2025 8:16:00 AM

It is all a strange thing. You don’t think about it until your clipping your own flower or killing your own lamb. Then it all becomes meaningful, the sorrow, the gratefulness, the sentiment!

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/25/2025 10:04:00 AM

Thank you so much, for a kind and considerate response. Have a beautiful day my friend!

Valsa George

Date: 1/25/2025 4:27:00 AM

I too feel the same regret when I cut fresh flowers to be put in a vase to adorn the home. They are born to sway in breeze and to be kissed by the bees or butterflies. Greater will be the regret when we kill poultry or a lamb that we have been rearing for a gala dinner. I appreciate your sensitivity. Beautiful thoughts.

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/25/2025 10:07:00 AM

Like I, you are honest with self. That is a good asset in humanity I believe. Thank you, Valsa -- have a wonderful weekend!

Ink Empress

Date: 1/25/2025 12:52:00 AM

Dear joe, i really love the title of this poem and how it flows with such deep thoughts from your heart and soul! Such a profound write that made me pause and think, i especially love the lines “ I know they are beautiful my thought to beautify the home -- yet kindled in me sense of a predator -” as for me i feel sad when i see roses die, i prefer them to be where they belong in gardens. Thriving and blooming and dancing in the wind! Pleasure reading your work today. Sending you light always

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/25/2025 11:22:00 AM

Very spiritual and soul searching comment. Thank you, IE; have a great writing weekend!

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/24/2025 12:52:00 PM

The rose can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, Joe :) - You don't kill the plant :) - hugs

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/24/2025 12:57:00 PM

I hear you, Anne; but can you assure me that the plant does not feel pain? A floral sense of loss, desperate need to produce another? Thank you, my friend. I only ask the questions.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/24/2025 11:08:00 AM

God gave us the animals to use for our benefit and flowers naturally beautify anyplace they will be, and they all did eventually. No need for guilt. But I love what your poem expressed . We only need to never kill animals for the fun of it. I like how the Indians would honor the buffalo after the kill and used all its parts for their good

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/24/2025 11:32:00 AM

Hi Andrea; well expressed. A lot of what we think is necessity or perceived circumstance, may be more a matter of choice. I was a pure vegetarian for 20 years. I internally consumed nothing that came from animal source: not flesh, milk, eggs or cheese. Did not take b-12 supplements. As far as I can tell, I was not harmed a bit -- in my opinion, was benefited. Most important, did not feel that I was missing anything. I am no doctor~ certainly not recommending this for others. Just saying. Going off topic here though...this was not the deeper spiritual intent of my poem. Which I will leave for the reader to decide if indeed there is one of mentionable significance. Full disclosure, my wife is part Cherokee, from an old American family that knew the hardships of the Dust Bowl.

Tom Woody

Date: 1/24/2025 7:42:00 AM

Interesting. Some really do struggle with these feelings. I think we can make use of all of God's provisions for humanity and still be respectful in the process. If Jesus ate the Seder meal with lamb as the feature then I'm all in

Joe Dimino
Date: 1/24/2025 7:47:00 AM

Hi Tom; thank you. How do we know what else Jesus was thinking? We all have to eat something. I know. Often my words first:)