Ditch the ads, upload images and much more - upgrade today from 5.95/month!
Read • Contests • Groups • Learn • Forums • Store • Help
 

The Red Rose

Missing image

 

 

Forgiveness is a red rose bud
standing tall, proud, and majestic.

Beware of her thorns
of self protection.
They will slice you
like the sharpest saber.

Her closed rosette is
our reluctance to give
out rays of mercy. Why do we
hold on to our grudges
and petty jealousies?

Each petal must be gently
opened to the light, one by one,
just as each nasty word
and horrible deed must
be discarded and forgotten.

The bud when it is opened
is forgiveness in full bloom,
lovely to the eye,
fragrant to the nose,
melodious to the ear,
and heavenly to our
Spirit.

Forgiveness is a rosebud
often neglected,
seldom understood,
but always
blessed by God.

Search long and hard for her.
Once she is in your arms,
never let her out of
your sight. She is a
beautiful red
rose yearning to become
a bouquet.

Author notes

"I used to colour in the holes
Now I leave them blank"

 

5/5/08 - this poem is an old write that I am now dedicating to Jenn. 

 

To forgive is walking in the power of God; to be forgiven is to be bathed in His love.

If only we as a people could get it and forgive totally in love and mercy. There would be no strife, no wars, no murders, no broken hearts.

This won the gold trophy in Raneika's contes Raneika's Jumpoff (the contest 4 u) 10/15/05

graphic from www.fyicomminc.com/images/flowerbutton.gif
Written July 16th, 2005

In a list

A contest entry

What did you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    • Line numbers  • Invite them to read
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

1 - 73 of 73
  • drifting cloud silver member
    July 7

    Edit | Reply
    This is a beautiful poem on forgiveness. ...very uplifting leaving the reader with the comforting feeling of love the forgivness would bring.

  • Writing0Freedom
    November 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I really like it- I like how you used a rose as a metaphor for forgiveness. And its very true that forgiveness takes time! Well done! I liked your imagery and wording! Thanks for Entering!
    WritingFree


  • Candy6
    July 18, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    A beautiful rose and beautiful written.

    my favorite:


    Forgiveness is a rosebud
    often neglected,
    seldom understood,
    but always
    blessed by God


  • KateMadness
    July 16, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Wow

    Wonderful job on this. It is truly amazing and beautiful. It holds really great descriptions! ^_^

    Great job and best of luck to you!


  • Erin200
    April 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Wow. Good job. Thank you for entering my contest. Good job and I hope you keep writing. You're going to the finals


  • Heavens Child
    April 8, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Simply amazing..... you've done a brilliant job combining imagery with a powerful message. Thank you for the entry in my contest.

  • AngieMae
    March 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is the first entry for this option in my contest and I love the hopeful approach in this poem. One suggestion I have is on this line:

    out rays of mercy. Why do we

    Maybe start "Why" on the next line. It just looked a little awkward to me. Anyways, great metaphor and soft flow in this piece. Thanks for entering and good luck!


  • WolfHeart
    June 8, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    excellent

    Excellent work. Why people have that bitterness must be Satan working on them. It seems so simple to me, but it just doesn't stop. Very nicely put together and I thoroughly enjoyed this write.
    hugs WolfHeart


  • October 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    congrats

    Thank you for your comments on my poem "Don't Wanna Go Through This" and congradulations on winning the gold, this is very good poem, well written excellent flow and it just has a alot of passion and depth in it. I am glad I got a chance to check ouy your work. Excellent job!

  • LustNPleasure
    October 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Very beautiful poem. Very very well written.

    Congrats on winning. You deserved it with this poem

    Peace
    *Lust*

  • LustNPleasure
    October 15, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Very beautiful poem. Very very well written.

    Congrats on winning. You deserved it with this poem

    Peace
    *Lust*


  • Ms Raneika
    October 10, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    *****

    Such an true-spoken and beautifully express piece about forgiving...this poem is quite lovely...thanks for entering my contest much love Raneika


  • jaunty pill gold member
    August 7, 2005
    Edit | Reply


    As long as it is only a few things, which I believe is all that I suggested, feel free.

  • thelordreigns gold member
    August 7, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    James, am I allowed to make the edits you suggest now or do I have to wait until the contest is over. I do agree with you. Thanks aain - joanne


  • Leah Rose
    August 7, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I really liked this, though I agree with jaunty pill about those little things, but it didn't take away from the piece to me. Your ending was just fab.
    She is a
    beautiful red
    rose yearning to become
    a bouquet.
    Just something about those lines. The entire poem, I thought, was beautiful and I love the message your sending.

    Good luck in the contest,
    Miseria


  • babybird
    August 4, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    this poem feels trite to me. something about it just seems cliched. it could be the "red rose" kind of thing, or it could be the rhetorical question, or it could be the mention of God...I'm not sure. not for me. a lot of nice effort here, though.

  • jaunty pill gold member
    August 3, 2005
    Edit | Reply


    "Forgiveness is a red rose bud
    standing tall and proud and majestic.

    Beware of her thorns
    of self protection.
    They will prick you and slice you
    like the sharpest saber."

    The only true troublesome parts of this piece lie in the pieces that I have excerpted above.


    In the first stanza "and" is used too many times. It causes the poem to sound a tad repeated and brings down the overall quality. You might want to edit it into this:

    ""Forgiveness is a red rose bud
    standing tall, proud and majestic."

    It just sounds better to me like that. It might just be something that is effecting me personally, seeing that I am one who doesn't like too many overused or repeated words lodged about in my poems, so I guess that carries over to my work as a judge.

    "Beware of her thorns
    of self protection.
    They will prick you and slice you
    like the sharpest saber."

    And in the above lines, it's really only the repeated use of "you" in such close quarters that bothered me (shown in bold).

    Otherwise I am pretty satisfied with how this poem turned out. It uses a format that it often seen, but not always done right.

    I think you have done this type of writing justice and are a grand poet if there ever was one.

    much love,
    James
    Edited on Aug 03, 12:07 because ''.


  • SimpleSarcasm
    August 2, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    What a stunning picture. I love roses and pictures of roses. I enjoyed the read.

    Good luck to you.

    ~Dee


  • Kalima
    August 1, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    That was really beautiful and amazing! I enjoyed this very much...Keep it up! Stacey

  • thelordreigns gold member
    July 28, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you Jocelyn. I agree on the mixed metaphor. I changed "discarded" to "opened to the light" - that's what we do when we forgive - we open ourselves to the truth of a situation. I also added "thorns of self-protection" because that is what we are doing when we refuse to forgive even though the unforgiveness imprisions us. Thanks so much for the comments. They are a blessing! - joanne

  • Jocelyn Davis
    July 27, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Fine china
    Once broken
    Is twice strong with the mending.
    (somebody somewhere said that once)

    Personifying forgiveness as a rose is brilliant. Love is often compared to a rose, but love isn't really love if it lacks forgiveness. The true bloom of love is when it survives the struggle of pain and harshness and rejection and comes out through forgiveness sweeter and fuller. Such thoughts you've expressed here!

    If I may add a critical comment, there were a few spots where the imagery, though excellent, seemed inconsistent. Maybe I'm not reading it right. The second stanza seems to say that forgiveness' thorns are to be avoided as they will severely hurt you. And in the fourth stanza, you compare the petals of the lovely rose, which elsewhere is cherished and nurtured, to nasty things that must be taken away, peeled off and discarded. Again, perhaps I'm misunderstanding. That is the picture I got in my mind. It just seemed like a confusion of metaphors.

    I hope that was helpful. This is otherwise superb. Thank you for such a lovely, thought-provoking and inspiring piece. It's so honest and true.

    --Jocelyn


  • Ivy Rose silver member
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    This was an outstanding way to express the idea of forgiveness. We must forgive or our Heavenly Father will not forgive us. Forgiveness brings healing and adds a new depth of beauty to our lives. I love the imagery of the red rose. It very sucessfully portrayed the true nature of what forgiveness is and what it does.


  • cherche -d -ame
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    So much truth written in the beautiful metaphor of the rose. Forgiveness is not merely forgetting the grudges , it is so important for selves to be able to live without that burden , for anger and grudges just weigh one down abd it is at the risk of unhappiness that we create for ourselves....I wish you the best in this contest,
    Reenie


  • camus gold member
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    I personally believe wholeheartedly in this well-described theme of forgiveness. The poet skilfully depicts the way in which total forgiveness is not only allied to God's wishes, but is in fact a liberation. Since I adopted this stance, I have found peace in abundance. I love this poem as it effectively conveys such an important piece of wisdom, one we should all adopt. camus

  • buffytheparrotslaye
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful!

    This is really beautiful and the metaphorical use of the Red Rose very appropriate.You conveyed a powerful message in a clever and sweet smelling way and yes you are so right the only way to be truly free is to forgive.Thanks for the reminder!

  • swanpool
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    We could all do with a bit more forgiveness in our lives, either in the giving or receiving of it, this fact is shown very well here. Your use of metaphor is both expressive and vivid, and the whole piece is well written.


  • LolaUnscripted
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I like it very true to your words....caught my eye at the title


  • July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Awesome picture, wonderful lines of text we call poetry, mainly cause it was so well written, it practically jumps off the page to be read.
    ~Loser


  • RHunt
    July 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Beautiful!

    Wow, amazing poem. It reminds me of the old saying "Forgive and forget, relive and regret" for some reason.

    Forgiveness is a rosebud often neglected, seldom understood, but always blessed by God.

    That was my favorite line, because it rings so true. We do take forgiveness for granted, and always expect our loved one to forgive.


  • Taranand
    July 22, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    A beautiful, glowing metaphore for forgiveness. A lovely gentle
    energy to these wise words. Good luck in the competition.
    Taranand


  • GyPsychic
    July 22, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This is beautiful, and I particurally like the reference you made to God. After all He is the reason and the example for all forgiveness. I have entered the same contest and am looking for more critics. Read Me!! Read Me!


  • thelordreigns gold member
    July 22, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I am the poster child for hopeless romantic! Thanks for reading - joanne

  • Verbatim
    July 22, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Amazing. I love the way you compared forgiveness to a rose, it's very fitting. Keep up the good work ^^

  • CelticAngel1605
    July 22, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This was amazing! How beautiful! Are you a hopeless romantic? Seems like it! Beautiful work, keep it up!


  • Shakari
    July 21, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This is beautiful! Good luck in the contest! Your talent in writing has definitely been proven through this poem!


  • cosmicrose
    July 21, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Those thorns are there to protect... not to harm. I'm a sucker for roses... cosmicly speaking....


  • Krista Beth
    July 20, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    beautiful

    Another beautiful write. I love roses. I had "The Rose" by Bette Midler played at my wedding, as I was walking up the aisle. I love how you portrayed the rose.
    Krista


  • Julie Eke
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    critical

    wow, this was beautiful! I loved the picture of forgiveness as a flower, it fits so well! Very creative with a lot of expression to it.

  • Lacyte
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I love the imagery of this poem - the rose being forgiveness. And it must be one of the most difficult things to do, to truly forgive. And to begin forgiving, you need to forgive yourself first. Thank you so much for sharing this, it was a captivating read!


  • OutsideTheMirror
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    WOW joanne. i love this one, i must say.


  • StarrieNacht
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This has been captured so well... Forgiviness is an attribute of the stronge. I would have never thought of a rose in this sense. Well done and good luck! Keep on writing for you have lots to say, share, teach, and learn from yourself and others. Take care of yourself and those you love. Always ~star


  • capricornpoet
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    the paradoxes of the rose

    Lovely verse and metaphore of the rose , its thorns and its
    color , paradox of love and hate , in the way it is seen..
    quite unique approach to this rose mystery ...
    nice imagery ..from a storm to a gentle touch.


  • kamikazikatt
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    i agree with the concept of the poem of forgiveness, it is a truely genuine concept, the thorns and all being the way to forgiveness, though at first that part lost me, maybe you should start with talking about the forgivness and then move to the thorns.. but then it wouldn't be how you've viewed it, so que sera! it is a beautiful poem, and i hope to see more from you!!


  • ToltecWarrior
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I like the metaphor of the rose. You developed it well in this piece. Forgiveness is indeed, both fragile and fragrant, soothing our spirit with the beauty of peace. If we could all aquire the desire to cultivate a bouquet of forgiveness, this would be a beautiful world.
    I enjoyed this very much. Thank you for taking the time to write this and to enter our contest. It is delightful.



    Toltec Warrior

  • Integrity is Key
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Very well written, I enjoyed the poem. No matter how scorned someone may get, you must find it in your heart to forgive. Forgiveness is a key factor in life.

  • Montague
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    hey! I just thought I'd stop by and tell you that this poem was so unique. I loved all the little analogies you made of abstract qualities with the rose.

    Each petal must be gently
    removed, one by one,
    just as each nasty word
    and horrible deed must
    be discarded and forgotten.

    Especially this analogy of harsh words etc, I think it was a great job, well done! You deserved the applause you got, mate, you truly did.

    x Montague


  • kkatie55
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    wow I love the whole poem...it is so knowing and forgiving of the miserable


  • editorinchimp
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    and from the looks of things, we'll have no poetry, either.

    the sentiment behind this piece is lovely and wholly appreciated, however.

  • shereejay
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Metaphors were great and this was written well
    GOOD JOB

  • La.La.Lia
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    nice!
    it was well written, flowed nicely.
    best of luck to you in the contest.
    i agree, people need to forgive.
    keep up the writing,
    love,
    libbi


  • Watuwant silver member
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Yes, this is a good poem and well within the contest guidelines. It seems like such a simple thing to do, forgive, and yet our pettiness seems to make it so difficult. Well done and thank you for entering our contest.
    peace
    doug


  • epitaph-macabre
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    this is very pretty wish you the best in the contest. very pretty picture of a rose .....i like it ...YOU have a GREAT poem here.


  • Anthony-
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    A longing dream that I feel will be a dream for a little while longer if we do not take heed. Such an enveloping and truthful piece. Tony.

  • thelordreigns gold member
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I am so sorry that happened. But I am so glad you put that link in the contest. I am going to get the form notorized tomorrow and send it to the state. You blessed me - even if it's not a lot of money - and I know you blessed others. It was a kind thoughtful thing to do and again I am sorry. I will pray that the Lord give you great peace about this. With all of its problems, AP is really a blessing. We need to pray that it continue to bless many. Love and a great big hug - joanne
    Edited on Jul 17, 5:08 p.m. because ''.


  • SEA angel gold member
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    Creative and unique

    This isn't what I expected at all. You are absolutely right about how poisonous unforgiveness and jealousy are. I posted money link to help people on my last contest and someone complained to a moderator because of either jealousy or hatred or pettiness. I will live and now link is on my author page. Just added to contest to help more people... Oh well...that is what this poem reminded me of. How a beautiful rose (AllPoetry) is gathering thorns on it's stem by those who are unforgiving and jealous and petty....metaphorically speaking. THANK GOD there are more who are not so that just like the rose...the beauty of AllPoetry stands out and blooms.

  • CrimsonKisses
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    this was so pure. the whole concept and metaphors were just so beautiful. you did a wonderful job explaining getting your thoughts and points across and i do agree with you. gorgeous write! keep it up.
    *jerrie* v|3


  • thricelightning
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    "The bud when it is opened
    is forgiveness in full bloom,
    lovely to the eye,
    fragrant to the nose,
    melodious to the ear,
    and heavenly to our
    Spirit."
    This should be in a halmark*sp*
    This is TRUELY magnificent! i LOVE IT!
    keep writting!
    MWAH!


  • Donjo1030
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    excellent

    Beautiful Joanne!!!! What a wonderful message of peace and harmony. I just love the way you put your poetry together. This one rings so true and what those jealousy and words can do to someone. Praise God BRAVO!!!!!


  • j-ay rose
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Ah yes a beautiful metaphor. You did a great job relating a rose to forgiveness. You’re right, completely. There is good and bad with both a rose and forgiveness, but both over all are beautiful. Wonderful piece you have here. Keep up the good work!


  • EeyoreUK
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    lovely write here and thank you so much for sharing. Good luck with future writes and take care.

  • ACryingEmoKidsRazor
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Wow...this was really amazing! I really enjoyed reading it! I like how you used personification for a rose, and used it metaphoricly to how people act...and how forgivness comes about in life..keep up the good writing!

  • Mickie27
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This is absolutely loved this poem and how you used the rose as a metaphor. There is so much passion in this and it is a very well written and beautiful poem. Forgiveness is such an important gift that we can give to people. Sometimes it is very difficult to forgive, but a necessary act that God taught us to do.


  • ricochet rabbit
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I liked: the clear message you articulate, and that anyone who is anyone can "get" it. You don't balk. You just lay out your message.

    I disliked: that you stated your message, but didn't allow me to discover your message. I think it is better to evoke than to merely state. That way, it's not just your message, but the reader's message too.


  • AnmcRylty
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply

    beautiful

    This is a beautiful poem, i love it. the love the metaphors and the comparisons oh i just love it. it's nice to find poetry like this on here with so much darkness in the world, i can't wait to read more of your poetry and find inspiration within it,
    brava
    l<
    Edited on Jul 17, 2:23 p.m. because ''.


  • Freakanzoy
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Awesome poem with great flow. The words totally fit with the subject and really let me think about what you wrote.
    Keep up the good write
    Laury


  • Jadestone Doll
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This is a beautiful poem of comparing Forgiveness to a rose. I've been focusing on and learning a lot about forgiveness lately so this poem definatly stood out to me.


  • Anna Emkah
    July 17, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Splendid write. Indeed if we could forgive and stop the bad things we are always doing.... earth would be a paradise!
    Edited on Jul 17, 12:35 because ''.

  • thelordreigns gold member
    July 16, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I forgot to put in the credit for the picture. Thanks so much for reminding me. I wish I had created the picture but I found in on google. Thanks again - joanne

  • SimpleSarcasm
    July 16, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Very nice write. That is a stunning picture of a rose you have. I absolutely love it! Did you do that. Who ever did that picture did a magnificient job.

    ~Dee


  • Sherry gold member
    July 16, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Joanne,
    Very nicely done and insightful, you really broke the human heart and Spirit and reflected it with the rose well in insight. Although the rose to me is God and his beauty which blooms this can be in each person if they desire that in Him. Sherry~
    Edited on Jul 16, 10:02 p.m. because ''.


  • magnadoodle07
    July 16, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    awesome write


  • Whispering Winds
    July 16, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Very well written hun. I love who you put this one together.
    And how you talk about the rose buds.
    Excellent work. I always enjoy reading you
    Thanks for sharing.
    tammy

1 - 73 of 73