Notes About The Poem

The Solemn Rose

In the breathing forest came memories of my youth,
Nothing more than happiness shadowed by the truth.
The rising sun pulchritudinous like the smile on her face,
Let me think of her once more of pure and simple grace. 

    In the center of the wood lived a solemn rose,
    Surrounded by a cruel weed which prohibited it to grow.
    The weed was not considerate only thinking of itself,
    Hurt the little rose not caring of how it felt. 

    Now the rose has grown up and overtowers the weed,
    Making it undernourished and causing it to bleed.
    Through tolerance and patience the rose has been well fed,
    And for the spiteful weed, he gained a brand new bed.

Glancing to the falling moon, I've realized what I've done,
I've killed my inner self by following the sun.
I only hope that things will change far before the end,
So that the enemy I have gained will turn to be my friend.

1989

Seventh Place
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 15 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney

Third Place
YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE, NO. 2
Sponsored by: L MILTON HANKINS
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Wayland Avatar
June 29, 2026 at 9:17 AM
The solemn Rose is a beautiful and a well written poem.I enjoyed reading this poem. congratulations on being placed in the marathon contest winning list Your Solemn Rose is delightful It touched me as the rose triumphed only for the sun to hurt it growth in a way. It reflecteded my own rose bush and how it fights to survive when the shade thrre to protect it
Dietrich Avatar
October 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Wow. What a stunner. And I see it garnered a placement in one of the marathon contests. Say to go, Robert. Congratulations
Kendrick Avatar
March 21, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Creative winning work. I am glad that I chose it to read today. Congratulations on it being on the winners' list. Way to go. Sara K
Empress Avatar
August 2, 2024 at 11:35 PM
“ I've killed my inner self by following the sun.” for some reason that line speaks to my soul, its so deeply moving and touching and the way youv used rose here and written a poem that is flowing with depth is truly impressive. Poignant and profound poem worthy of all the accolades! A fave this is for me
Ashley Avatar
October 8, 2022 at 10:10 AM
Dear Robert, it was wonderful to return and partake of this deep and thoughtful poem once again. Your heart is so beautifully expressed. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Toney Avatar
October 7, 2022 at 11:20 AM
Robert, a very thought-provoking retrospection. I will be thinking about this one for some time. A Fav for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 15 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 16 has already started. Also, check out my blog post to view your current standing in the Marathon.
Dietrich Avatar
November 13, 2021 at 5:29 PM
Yes, I can see how this is your favorite of the rose poems. It's the best of the ones I 've read, and it's very meaningful as well. Thanks for sharing, Robert. This is so lovely.
Liguori Avatar
December 16, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Thank you Andrea.
Dietrich Avatar
November 13, 2021 at 5:29 PM
belated congrats on a win also!
La France Avatar
November 13, 2021 at 8:57 AM
Robert, I love this poem, so meaningful and with a message and wonderfully penned also. The whole poem is awesome but that last verse really touched my heart. I have learnt in life that no matter how much we try, that not everyone will like us and there is nothing we can do to change that, just be yourself is my motto and people who matter will see the beautiful rose that dwells within ~ peace and tranquility _ Constance
Mcintosh Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 11:20 AM
Wonderful write. with such depth and meaning. A haunting poem. God bless you always and Congrats on your win. Love, Gina
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:13 PM
Thank you Regina. It is a poem I cannot escape from... first I wrote that has had so much meaning throughout my life.
Alex Avatar
October 20, 2021 at 11:11 PM
Beautiful thoughts and lines. The self-realization aspect is very great. Congratulations!
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:14 PM
Thanks Christuraj. Amazing how we can add depth in just a handful of stanzas!
Jayasankar Avatar
October 20, 2021 at 6:44 AM
Great imagery flowing throughout the poem Robert... Congrats on your win with this beautiful write... God bless... ~ Ani
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Thanks Anitha! I tried to shape it, I guess like an envelope... story in a story.
Kauffman Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 11:06 AM
Robert, congratulations on your win! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this poem written so long ago! Your poetic talent was definitely there! Wonderful allegory. Delightful metaphor! I love the way you express the rose making a choice to grow above the weed - making life choices. All the best.
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:11 PM
Thanks, back then it just came natural, now I'm trying to write with all these rules!
Radice Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 6:53 AM
Congratulations on your winning poem Robert. I had to look up the word 'pulchritudinous' - I learn something new every day at PS. :) Cheers - Gary
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:10 PM
It is a beautiful word!
Ashley Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 8:07 PM
Dear Robert, your poignant pen is so beautifully expressive and impressive. Simply splendid poetry. Congratulations for your excellent win in Milton's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:09 PM
Thank you, I was a young man when I wrote this poem.
Hankins Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 7:53 PM
Beautiful writing, Robert, and very deserving of this high placement in my contest. CONGRATULATIONS!
Liguori Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 12:10 PM
Thank you for the placement. This poem has journeyed with me over the years.
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