Concrete Rose
By JP
After the novel Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
I struggle, embedded in the pavement, my fight is everlasting, the elements are against me but my will to survive is far greater than the obvious destruction around me. The things that are supposed to destroy me I use to strengthen my resolve. I call on God when I am weak, he answers my prayers because in him I place my faith to rise from the bricks of this concrete jungle where it seems no one cares…
I grow through this hectic life, I face all fears that try to strangle my existence, I weather the storms, the rain quenches my thirst and washes me clean. When the sun shines bright I smile with hope feeling at times the light is on me and I’ll be seen. I perk up, thorns sharp from a hard life, but beautifully created, battled tested and strong, yet alone, yearning for a place in this big ole world to call my own, my will to win on display for someone, anyone to take me away from this concrete jungle I call home…..
I stay warm hearted as I shake and shiver because in the concrete it’s cold outside, no place to run, no place to hide. I grow into the best me I can be, my trials and tribulations prepared me for life’s ills, the growing pains makes me hungry with a purpose to starve no more. My roots remain planted from which I came, the life I once knew no longer the same. Uprooted but forever from the bricks, timeless moments of my past now shape my future, I see why God chose me, my life now a living testimony for all to know and see a product of my environment, a Beautiful Rose I grew from the Jungle, the Bricks, the Concrete….
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This is a job well done and so interesting to keep on reading JP! I could feel your emotion and circumstance from the start. While you struggle stuck in the pavement, your fight is always continuing. It’s awesome to see that you have such a strong will to survive while it being far greater than the numerous odds being against you that seem impossible. Also, it’s impressive that you use your composure and the things that are supposed to destroy you strengthen your resolve. I like how you connect and relate faith and God in this poem and say concrete jungle which I never heard before. It’s great that the poem sometimes sounds dark during your tough times in life but it doesn’t sound dark at the same time because you have hope in seeing the sun shine while trusting in God help you while thanking him probably. You recognized your mistakes and are sorry for them like a confession. Prison life is described well through imagery giving a scary, dreadful, tough, and lonely place to be at. You have such a hope to continue your future in a better way, probably by getting a job and enjoying a career. The last sentence is the best with such a strong closing. You see why God chose you to do what you have to do with your special purpose while ending with … that leaves the reader hanging which is great to see! You are an amazing poet and I want to read more of your poems JP!
“Concrete Rose” by JP is a well-crafted poem with vivid imagery and a strong message of resilience, but could benefit from more variation in tone and pacing. Some lines could be more concise for greater impact.
This poem is so moving. I love the metaphor of a rose growing in the concrete, despite the harsh elements around it. This poem really showcases strong resolve and determination, which I find very inspiring. I also like that this poem repeats the phrase “concrete jungle” and explains how they are trapped in it. Not only does this create strong imagery for the author, it can also have two meanings. One meaning could be the literal meaning that takes after the title; a rose trapped in concrete. The other meaning however could be using the “concrete jungle” as a metaphor for prison, which I find very creative and witty. This also highlights the struggles of incarceration and shows how the author is motivated to become the best version of themselves and grow as much as possible while in a very difficult situation!
Hello JP, thank you for opening up in your poetry. I am inspired by your determination and ability to keep dreaming, despite the struggles you faced. You have such a way with words that make it not only come to life, but is wholeheartedly felt. Your dreams will come true, and I know for sure that the hustle and struggle will pay off. I wish you all the best and hope you continue to persevere.
Wow, I really love this poem! I like the idea of creating something beautiful that has to grow up in an environment that is trying its best to kill this rose. I like how you talk about how this piece of beauty is battered and weathered; yet, it still works to implant its roots into the ground and stand strong. I think its a beautiful representation of how we can either let our surroundings tear us down or we can allow them to make us stronger. This is a beautiful poem, and I hope to read more from you in the future!
Wow. You use such vivid language which paints your picture so well. I read that last line maybe 15 times. Speechless.
Wonderful poem JP! My favorite line has to be “but my will to survive is far greater than the obvious destruction around me”. This one really stood out because it shows your ability to stay strong even in situations where many would crumble. I admire your faith in something better. Great work.
To JP- I have never read the novel that your poem is inspired by, but I have read the poem by Tupac “The Rose that Grew from Concrete.” The fact that the novel inspired you to write your own poem like it means that it definitely impacted you. Your poem includes so many topics, there’s religion, battles, hopes, struggles, strengths, and so many more. Being able to fit so much into a poem is very impressive. I like how you wrote, “I grow through this hectic life.” Because not only are you talking about how you grow as a person through your hardships but also include the novel that you’re inspired by the “Concrete Rose.” The way you’re able to fit in emotion throughout the poem is also impressive. Thank you for sharing your writing, keep it up!
Hey JP,
I love this poem. It’s very inspiring and shows that no matter what happens in life if you want change, you need to start at the roots.
Sincerely,
CD
This is beautiful! I love the repetition of “concrete jungle” I haven’t read the novel, Concrete Rose, but I just checked it out from the library because of your poem. There is so much hope and goodness in your post. I love the sound of this line: “but beautifully created, battled tested and strong”
Hi JP,
Wonderful poem! I love the metaphor of a rose growing through concrete; it’s such a powerful symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
My favorite line is when the rose is “uprooted but never to be forgotten by the bricks.” The concept of growth and change through adversity is a powerful message to which I can relate.
Continue your excellent work!
It is great to see how passionate you are in God. In bad times, it is great to find an escape, and it seems the religion is a good escape for you. Finding something to distract you and give you high hopes is always great. I hope things are going well for you.
Your words really flow well together. I like that you used the idea of a jungle and concrete rose. Hope and motivation will get you so far in life to meet your goals and where you want to be. I am sure that you no longer live the same life because everyone is always changing and growing.
Your poetry is powerful and inspiring, reflecting on the struggles of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Using nature imagery to describe the growth and evolution of the self effectively adds depth to the themes explored in the poem. The poem is beautifully written with a strong message of hope and perseverance.
There is so much symbolism in this poem and I am so proud of how well you articulate everything. Just like a rose growing in a concrete jungle, you too are thriving in a harsh environment by finding your own roots and sunlight. Well done.
I admire your strength and vulnerability when writing this! I can see that you have been able to grow from the difficulties you have found yourself in! Nice poem!