The Rose

The Rose If I live my life quietly as the rose among the roses in the garden ~ Gently spreading my joy in fragrant perfume, Will I not find serenity reaching up For sunlight giving the flower warmth to bloom Returning life to life? If I live my life softly as the color of the rose among the roses ~ Reflecting the sunrise and sunset, No matter that my companion rose has Color like my own or the same perfume – Each of us shines with glory on a separate stem. If I live my life with dignity as the rose among the roses, asking only rain ~ And sunglow to grow above the thorns, Will I not find completeness in the simplicity Of touching yet another heart With my vitality, my color and my joy? If I live my life peacefully as the rose among the roses, not always visible ~ But knowing the touch of the wind Will I not find satisfaction building in my stem A bud, like me, not identical, Returning to my creator the vision for humanity.

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Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/17/2021 6:22:00 PM

How lovely this sentiment: Each of us shines with glory on a separate stem.// Congratulations, Sam!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/18/2021 9:21:00 AM

Hi Kim! Thank you so much. I was struck by the fact that there is no competition among rose flowers. They seem to epitomize joyful acceptance of each bloom and find joy in each other. I thought wouldn't that be a wonderful world! So wonderful to have you back on the soup! Sending you blessings for Thanksgiving!

Karen Jones

Date: 11/17/2021 4:38:00 PM

Tender beautiful write very well penned. Congrats!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/18/2021 9:16:00 AM

Thank you so much Karen. I love roses and have 20+ bushes. They are such wonderful ambassadors of life and examples of selfless giving that they seemed to be a perfect example of life for the poem! So appreciate uou lovely message and congrats! Alll the best.

John Watt

Date: 11/17/2021 4:20:00 PM

Dear Sam, the aroma of humanity wafts among your ode to the rose: the joy of sharing one's God-given perfume, the esteem of sharing in the glory of one's fellow roses, the dignity of simplicity and 'growing above the thorns', the contentment of dwelling in peace, 'not always visible' and nurturing the young rosebud. Your faith in the creator quietly shines throughout, with echoes of the great commission in my favorite phrase, 'touching yet another heart / with my vitality, my color and my joy'. Simply beautiful and understated, going in my faves, and by the way congrats!

Ann Peck

Date: 11/17/2021 9:21:00 AM

I love your poem, Sam! ...completeness in the simplicity...~ strong, yet also gentle. Beautiful. Congratulations!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/17/2021 12:48:00 PM

Ann, thank you! I am so glad that you liked this poem. Your delightful feedback is like the fragrance of the roses in my rose garden. I love roses and have over twenty rose bushes. They bring such joy. Have my eye on three more for this spring! Take care. Happy Thanksgiving!

Christuraj Alex

Date: 11/17/2021 7:47:00 AM

"But knowing the touch of the wind Will I not find satisfaction building in my stem" - Great! Congratulations!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/17/2021 12:42:00 PM

Hi Chris! Thank you so much. I do love roses. They so eloquently speak of beauty and life. Take care. Blessings to you.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 2/4/2021 12:53:00 PM

You had me at the Rose dear poet. I love your humanistic approach , and the beauty you exemplify. Thank you for joining my contest, Congrats on your 3rd place win.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/4/2021 1:34:00 PM

Thank you so much Mystic Rose for your message, your placement and this delightful theme. It was hard to decide which option to choose but in the end the rose kept rising to the surface. We have over 25 rose bushes. My grandmother taught me about roses. So grateful for the opportunity to enter. Best wishes and blessings!

Jcb Brul

Date: 7/8/2020 1:44:00 PM

Such a wisdom-filled piece! An affirmation of a steadfast faith. A fave!

Sonia Walker

Date: 5/5/2020 2:03:00 AM

Sam, oh to be a rose in your garden. Filled with beauty and "fragrant perfume," the essence of nature. Congratulations on your placement. ~ Sonia

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/5/2020 5:09:00 PM

Sonia, you can share my garden with me anytime! Thank you for experiencing the fragrance and "essence" of nature. Your words are so appreciated. Thank you for their fragrance and for your congratulations! All the best!

Edward Ibeh

Date: 5/4/2020 5:45:00 PM

Beautiful and life-affirming, Sam:-) Congratulations on your fine win!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/5/2020 5:11:00 PM

This poem always reminds me of some of my life goals. Thank you for your affirming words and congratulations! All the best. Blessings!

John Watt

Date: 5/4/2020 10:37:00 AM

Funny, the Captcha of my previous comment was "SHH", a perfect captcha of your first line!

John Watt

Date: 5/4/2020 10:36:00 AM

Sam, this is lovely on the nature layer with the fragrance and aesthetic appeal of a rose in bloom. On a spiritual layer, this bud really blossoms. "Each of us shines glory on a separate stem" is my favorite among many choice lines. There is a bit of St. Francis that shining through these words, in the simplicity of worshiping God in communing with his creation and seeing his attributes therein. I like your use of aroma, color, stem, and thorns to lovely metaphorical effect. Congrats! ~ John

Greg Gaul

Date: 5/4/2020 7:45:00 AM

Sam, I like the repeating "If" line start reminds me of Kipling. Lots of subtle metaphor here and unusual ones at that, sameness and quiet progress. I like that when poets write about uncommon, yet important things. Well done and congratulations on your first place finish.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 5/3/2020 11:31:00 PM

Beautiful words of wisdom, from the world of nature, Sam. A wonderful poem! Best of wishes. :)

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/5/2020 5:17:00 PM

I greatly appreciate your message, Evelyn! Thank you! This poem always reminds me of what I want to be - gives me a little kick in the....especially when I need it! Blessings dear friend.