Roses in Pictures, Poetry, Song, Literature and Famous Quotes
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Roses as Literary Metaphors
This hub is dedicated to my friend, Annette Donaldson, in honor of the publication of her memoir, "A Lancashire Rose Was Born a Thorn." Annette is known on Hub Pages as thebluestar, and she is a very talented author.
Like many of the quotes in this hub, the title of her book is a perfect rose metaphor for life. Some girls are born under thorny circumstances, endure difficult childhoods yet still manage to grow into beautiful women.
Annette was born out of wedlock, never knew her father and spent much of her childhood caring for her mother who was battling, and eventually died from cancer while Annette was still a teenager. This hub is for you Annette. You are still a beautiful Lancashire Rose and always will be.
"At every step the child should be allowed to meet the real experience of life; the thorns should never be plucked from his roses." ~ Ellen Key, Swedish writer 1849 - 1926.
"Truths and roses have thorns about them." ~ Henry David Thoreau, American author 1817- 1862.
"I think life is full of challenges and problems. I don't believe that anyone is perfect. We all make mistakes. It's not a bed of roses, and you have to work real hard at it." ~Nigel Mansell, British athlete born in 1953.
"Some people are always grumbling about roses having thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." ~ Alphonse Karr, French critic 1808 - 1890.
"The sharp thorn often produces delicate roses." ~ Ovid, Roman poet born 43 BC.
One Perfect Rose
Red, Red Rose
Faded Rose
Roses in Poetry
Many poets have written about roses. Some, like poet Dorothy Parker in her poem titled, "One Perfect Rose," write about the pure perfection of a single, carefully chosen rose:
"A single flow'r he sent me, since we met.
All tenderly his messenger he chose;
Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet -
One perfect rose."
Others write effusive poetry comparing the beauty of their human lover to a rose such as this verse from the Robert Burns poem called, "A Red, Red Rose:"
"O MY Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve’s like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune."
And some write about roses who have lost their bloom but are ever present in our memory as in the following verse from poet Walter de la Mare's: "When the Rose is Faded:"
"When the rose is faded,
Memory may still dwell on
Her beauty shadowed,
And the sweet smell gone."
Roses Perfect and Faded
Quotes About Roses & Writing
Some quotes acknowledge the difficulties that face all writers who must come up with original material again and again even when they have no immediate inspiration to do so:
"We all agree now that a work of art is like a rose. A rose is not beautiful because it is like something else. Neither is a work of art. Roses and works of art are beautiful in themselves." ~ Olive Bell, English critic 1881 - 1964.
"The hardest part of writing is sitting your ass down in a chair and just writing. There's always something better to do, like I've got an interview, sharpening pencils, trimming roses." ~ Jerry Pournelle, writer.
Every Rose is Beautiful
Song: I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
All Roses are Beautiful
Some roses are carefully cultivated and exhibited in stunning gardens or used to provide decorations for lavish affairs while others grow untended cropping up with no assistance from humans, but rather following God's intended plan for their growth. My personal belief is that all roses are beautiful and I suspect that if we saw them through God's eyes they'd all be equally beautiful and loved.
"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." ~ Dale Carnegie, American playwright 1888 - 1955.
Stunning Ice Sculpture & Rose Trellis Background
Roses Young and Old
Quotes About Roses, Love And Age
Quotes about roses and love can be beautifully romantic such as:
"My lady's presence makes the roses red, because to see her lips they flush for shame." ~ Henry Constable, English poet 1562 - 1613.
Or they can be mildly humorous:
"Though youth gave love and roses, age still leaves us friends and wine." ~ Thomas More, English author 1478 - 1535.
Or nostalgic and tinged with the frustration that words and the memory of something are never as exquisite as the initial experience of it:
"Can anyone remember love? It's like trying to summon up the smell of roses in a cellar. You might see a rose, but never the perfume." ~ Arthur Miller, American playwright 1915 - 2005
Philosophical Quotes About Roses
Some philosophical quotes are full of wisdom that could improve our lives if we ponder their meaning and follow their implied advice:
"We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory." ~ Bern Williams.
"As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round." ~ Ben Hogan, American athlete 1912 - 1997.
And some philosophical quotes express a touch of sardonic humor such as this one:
"An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup." ~ H.L. Mencken, American writer 1880- 1956.
Political Quotes About Roses
Some of the most unlikely quotes I found about roses were written by political leaders and activists such as this tongue in cheek quote about treaties:
"Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last." ~ Charles de Gaulle, French leader 1890 -1920.
And this short, but to the point, revolutionary quote:
"Revolution is no bed of roses." ~ Fidel Castro, Cuban Revolutionary and Dictator.
The following political quote shows how the passage of time can radically change the public's view of an activist, in this case for the better:
"This is rather different from the receptions I used to get 50 years ago. They threw things at me then but they were not roses." Susan B. Anthony, American Activist for women's rights, 1820 - 1906.
Hope You Enjoyed This Hub
I hope you have enjoyed these photos and quotes about roses and have also been inspired to read Annette Donaldson's memoir, "A Lancashire Rose is Born a Thorn." You can read a book review that was written by fellow hubber, BobbiRant, at the following link:
- Book review of A Lancashire Rose Was Born a Thorn by Annette Donaldson
A very compelling memoir by thebluestar.
Amazon.com 5 Star Book Reviews
To read 3 other 5 star reviews of "A Lancashire Rose Was Born a Thorn," including one I wrote go to the following link:
- Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: A Lancashire Rose Was Born a Thorn
5 Star reviews of A Lancashire Rose Was Born a Thorn including one written by Happyboomernurse.
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Lovely Roses Its very beautiful Hub Like it and vote up
Oh Gail,
I love roses, I love Annette, I love YOU for this most beautiful and elegant tribute to one of the finest flowers in our Hub garden!
This is simply magical-- a visual slice of heaven. I also love the songs and quotes you selected, perfect!
I will be bookmarking so I can often look at Mom's favorite flower, while remembering two of my dearest friends. Voted UP & Awesome and Beautiful. Love, Maria
Gail, my dear sweet friend, you do me so much honour in making this beautiful hub a tribute to me. As I write in my memoirs, Who am I," I simply reply "I don't stand out in a crowd, you wont recognise me, I am simply me." Yes my childhood was very difficult and full of pain for my mother and I, but others faced similar circumstances and evolved a much stronger person than I am. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for simply being you. xxx
I loved the hub, and as usual the absolutely stunning photographs. Some of the quotes you have chosen are so inspiring. I am bookmarking this hub so as when I need to know that I have friends, and a little lift in my everyday life, I can read and remember how wonderful you are. xx
Welcome Trishita Banerjee,
So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking time to leave a lovely comment.
Hi Uniquearticlesbuz,
So glad you enjoyed the photos and hub and I thank you for the vote up.
Oh Mar,
Your comment has touched my heart and made my spirit soar. I loved your description of Annette being "One of the finest flowers in our hub garden," and you, dear friend, are another, spreading beauty, love and grace wherever you go in life and in Hub Land!
Thanks, as always, for your ongoing support which is oh so greatly appreciated.
Hi Annette,
I love how you humbly describe yourself- "I am simply me." Many people go a whole lifetime without ever grasping the power and beauty behind those words. They present a masked version of themselves to the world hiding behind achievements, professional titles and ego driven manifestations never realizing that it is only when we make the conscious decision to simply be who we are that we can bring our unique being fully into the world.
I am glad that you enjoyed the hub and were inspired by some of the quotes and am grateful that we've become friends through Hub pages. As Marcoujor so poetically said, "You are one of the finest flowers in our Hub Garden."
Gail
This is a very beautiful tribute Gail. From a beautiful person, to a beautiful person. Your photograghy is perfect. Ol'Mencken sure had a way with words.
The yellow rose is breathtaking just like Annette and yourself. What a lovely thing you did in this precious tribute to a woman of strength and character. Bless you and thank you.
Such a beautiful tribute to Net! Loved the depth, and the poetry. So awesome!
Beautiful rose photos, wonderful rose quotes and a really moving dedication to a beloved friend-- voted up and beautiful.
Gail this is such a beautiful tribute to Annette, the quotes you have chosen are so inspirational, the pictures breathtaking.
I am bookmarking, I know I will read again and again.
Thank you, love MM
This is such a wonderful hub. I love roses, can grow them here in Nevada as they so much water.
This was a particular beautiful, moving Hub. I will read Annette's memoir. You know how I feel about roses! Your photography is beautiful as usualy. Good work. I voted this UP, etc.etc.
Gail, I am in awe! This is the best article I've ever read about roses. The pictures are too beautiful for words. And so applicable as a tribute to Annette. She has a special place in my heart; my admiration for her has no boundaries; I believe in her and her ability to become a very successful Indie writer.
I've voted this hub of yours up to the stars.
Gosh, and did I enjoy this quote: "Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last." ~ Charles de Gaulle, French leader 1890 -1920.
Oh, and the music! Awesome!
Hi Mckbirdbks,
Thanks so much for your lovely comment which is greatly appreciated.
I chuckled when I came across that Mencken quote. Yes, he did have a way with words.
Hi Hyphenbird,
It was my pleasure to write this hub as a tribute to Annette. I recently finished her poignant memoir and have been photographing roses whenever I saw them. Since BobbiRant had already done a book review on Hub Pages and I did a review on Amazon.com, I thought this would be a different way to bring attention to Annette's book.
Thanks again for your kind words and also for all the encouragement you've been giving me with my photography. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi A.A. Zavala,
Thanks so much for the lovely comment. Am thrilled you enjoyed the hub.
Hi Robie2,
Am glad you enjoyed the quotes, photos and tributes and I thank you for taking time to leave a comment and give me feedback. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Movie Master,
Am so thrilled that you loved the hub enough to bookmark it for future visits! Thanks for leaving such a wonderful comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Hub Hugs and Love,
Gail
Hi Writer20,
Thanks for leaving me feedback. I appreciate your ongoing support.
I haven't grown any roses in my own garden. My husband grew up in a house with rose bushes all along the side of the house but though he loved the roses he didn't like the number of bees that they attracted and didn't want roses in our yard.
I guess that's why I enjoy stopping to photograph and smell other people's roses. I'm always happy when they're growing close to the sidewalk as I make sure I never trespass!
Hi Mary,
Glad you enjoyed the photos and tribute and that you plan to read Annette's moving memoir. I'm sure your compassionate heart will be touched by her story.
Thanks for your ongoing support and encouragement. In addition to Annette, I was thinking of you when I posted all these roses as I know you love flowers as much as I do.
Take Care,
Gail
Aw Martie, your comment touched me so. I totally agree that Annette has the ability to become a very successful indie author and I was so happy that BobbiRant helped edit A Lancashire Rose Was Born a Thorn and along with you and several other hubbers, mentored and supported Annette as she wrote it.
Thanks so much for the vote up and for all your support of my own writings.
I smiled when I found that quote about treaties.
Take care and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season,
Gail
Hi Gail, I read this earlier and thought I had posted a comment. Reading this hub and reflecting on roses and thorns - literally and metaphorically was refreshing. Thinking for a moment about roses and thorns in life was a nice way to step back and take a different perspective. Thanks for the mini retreat:) My favorite quote is:
"Truths and roses have thorns about them." ~ Henry David Thoreau
Boomer,
What an outstanding tribute to our Irish. I can appreciate how you managed to do it because you had such an inspiring subject.
Irish may have her thorns, but roses need them to survive, and Lord knows Irish has not only survived but bloomed into one of the most inspirational folks I've ever had privilege to know.
Applause and more applause Boomer. An exceptional piece for a very deserving lady.
Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for checking back and leaving another comment. I don't block any comments but I think sometimes they just disappear of their own accord!
I love that Thoreau quote also.
Glad you enjoyed the hub and hope you get to spend some quality time with family over the holidays.
Sending Hub Hugs,
Gail
Hi Femmeflashpoint,
Am thrilled that you liked the hub and you're so right about the fact that Irish was a very inspiring subject.
Thanks so much for leaving such an insightful comment. Your encouragement and support is always so uplifting.
Beautiful, inspiring and full of memories...reminding me of sitting in the Irish Cafe in Albany, drinking coffee and reading poems of the walls....
Up and all across but funny Gail. What a lovely article with beautiful pictures and great quotes. This was a fun read. I like how everything is centered around the rose. A rose to you for a job well done. Hope you are doing good Gail. Enjoy the holidays and until next time, best wishes and take care:)
Gail being the nosey old biddy that I am lol I came back to read. I am so humbled to read so many beautiful words of love and support from our hub buddies. I am not used to being spoken about so positively, as you know. But I can't thank you enough for this beautiful hub. Please may I print this off to keep, and to show to Gordon who doesn't understand my writing or the how I feel about my past. Although I have an authors copy of my book he is yet to pick it up. Isn't it sad how people move on?
Thank you everybody for supporting Gails beautiful hub.It stands out alone as being truly inspirational. Especially written for all the lovers of roses, me included. Net:)
Hi Beata,
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. So glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Lyricwriter,
So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your beautiful comment and ongoing support. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Hi Annette,
Am thrilled you came back and read the comments. I know you shy away from the limelight but the fun thing about Hub Pages is you can peek in and just read all those nice things people are saying about you and then quietly slip back to your writing. Please feel free to share with anyone and to add any additional comments. I noticed that your childhood friend wrote an excellent review on Amazon which I thought was really sweet.
Too bad Gordon doesn't follow your writing but that's his loss and you have many who do appreciate your writing talent.
It's been my pleasure to write this tribute and see the great response from so many of our wonderful fellow hubbers. This truly is an amazing place.
What a lovely idea to make a hub of roses as a tribute to your friend. Beautiful photos as always.
Some very interesting quotes. And glad to see you got our Scottish bard in, though my favourite was; "Some people are always grumbling about roses having thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
That’s the way to look at life - now if I can only always remember that!
Hi Melovy,
Glad you enjoyed the hub.
I had never heard that thorn quote before but took an instant liking to it. It's another version of whether we choose to see the glass as half empty or half full. The most simple of shifts in our thinking can make all the difference in our overall experience of life and our attitudes.
Rose is my favorite flower and I love everything about roses here. My friend, you have done a great job by combining pictures, poetry, song, literature and famous Quotes. I am glad to know this from you. Rated up!
Love and peace, prasetio
Hi Prasetio,
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Am thrilled that you liked the hub and greatly appreciate the vote up.
Love and peace to you, too. You always spread joy and warmth through your comments.
Your obvious hard work has certainly paid off.
Whata beautiful hub and also so interesting.
I vote up up and away here.
Take care
Eddy.
Hi Eiddwen,
So glad you enjoyed it and I thank you for your kind words and for your support.
Take Care,
Gail
what a Wonderful Treat to Read and see all those Beautiful Roses Gail..."Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, you wrote a Fantastic Hub to share with Bluestar and all of Us...You are the Best, my Friend, the very Best!
Wonderful pictures and terrific quotes. A great idea to write a hub about roses. They are so beautiful and romantic.
Aw, b.Malin, you really made me smile today! Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you liked the hub. Will be stopping by to read your latest Florida adventure.
Welcome KoffeeKlatch Gals,
Am thrilled that you enjoyed the pictures and quotes and I agree that roses are romantic. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment. It's greatly appreciated.
What a beautiful hub and a wonderful tribute to a real star. You have also reminded me that I must visit her hubs again. Your words and beautiful pictures are incredibly stunning. I adore flowers. Voting up and pressing your buttons too.
Hi Acaetnna,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and I thank you for your lovely comment and the vote up.
Yes, thebluestar is special and it was my pleasure to do this as a tribute to her.
Hello Happyboomernurse, I really love this hub, thank you for sharing such beautiful photos of different colored roses, and for sharing the lovely quotes.
One that jumped out to me was the one that included, "I am thankful that thorns have roses..." I love that. This was encouraging to me this evening, I think I needed to read it. Voted up all but funny.
Hi Oceansnsunsets,
Am so glad you enjoyed it and I thank you for the vote up.
I loved that quote also.
It took me so long to reach the comments box because I listened to 'The Rose 4 times, it is one of my very favourites.
Gail this is such a beautiful tribute to Annette. And may I add from a Yorkshire Rose to a Lancashire Rose that such a wonderful lady absolutely deserves such a wonderful tribute.
You have one great big heart my friend.
This is one book I will be buying. so thank you for the link to the review.
So great to see your lovely comment Rosemary,
Glad you'll be getting Annette's book.
I've loved the song, "The Rose," since the day I saw Bette Midler sing it in the bittersweet movie, "Beaches". Sometimes when we open ourselves up to love it does hurt at first but the rewards are always sweet and beautiful and help us grow into more compassionate people even after the brief time of bloom is gone and we are left with the prick of the thorns.
Take care, my friend, and have a very Merry Christmas. Looking forward to a great New Year and the joy of reading more of your hubs along with the hubs of others I've grown to know and love here.
Happyboomernurse, Lovely hub! What a memorable, touching & thoughtful tribute to you friend! How lovely that she is well and able to enjoy this now!
What an encouraging, kind, gesture... Fabulous photographs of roses! Roses are symbolic of the Lord's Marvelous Creation!
Thank You for sharing, Peace & Blessings!
Hi DeBorrah K. Ogans,
Thanks so much for your beautiful, heartfelt comment which is greatly appreciated. I love what you said about "Roses are symbolic of the Lord's Marvelous Creation" and appreciate you adding that to this hub.
May the Lord Bless Your with Joy, Peace and Love in 2012 and always,
Gail
love the pictures and the info. Good work!
Hi PDXKaraokeGuy,
So glad you liked it. I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement and look forward to us sharing many more hubs in 2012. Hope it's your best year ever for writing, happiness and love.
Best Regards,
Gail
loved the pictures and quotes and what a wonderful tribute to your friend and fellow hubber..
I voted up and awesome
Hi Deborah Brooks,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and the pictures. It was my great pleasure to write this as a tribute to Thebluestar.
I appreciate your feedback and the vote up.
My father in law grew roses for many many years and had a beautiful rose garden. When my husband and I bought our first home, we lived on Tiffany Lane and planted a rose called the Tiffany. For all that roses are beautiful, carnations are my favorite flower - they last longer than roses.
Hi Danette,
Thanks for leaving such a thoughtful comment. I love to look at roses but when my husband buys me a bouquet of them they seem to be fickle in how long they last even though I cut stems and use the special preservative packet.
Carnations do last longer and I've grown mini-carnations in my garden with great luck.
Quite an intriguing, creative and absolutely remarkable piece. You re gifted
I LOVE roses, my grandmother could grow them so beautifully. I can't, but they surely are my favorite flower. Beautifully awesome!
Hi Ubanichijioke,
So glad that you enjoyed the hubby and happy to "see" a comment from you.
Hi Ruby H. Rose,
How wonderful that you love roses so much and have the last name of Rose!
Thanks for taking time to leave such a great comment.
very beautiful information about roses.You have every detail of rose in your hub Happyboomernurse.Useful and voting up.
Welcome Nityanandagaurang,
Thanks so much for your kind words and for the vote up. They're very much appreciated and I'm glad that you enjoyed this hub.
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful flower. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi Alocsin,
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the lovely feedback and the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Gail,
What a wonderful tribute to your friend whom I have not yet met on HubPages. Through your description of her, she has emerged from her less than idealic background a stronger person and has much to share with the world. Thank you for this gift of roses to her and to us. Will share this with others and votes up!
Hi Peggy,
Yes, thebluestar aka Annette Donaldson is a wonderful author and a woman who has much to share with the world.
Thanks so much for the kind words and the vote up.
Well done on writing such a beautiful hub on my favourite flower.
Welcome Dim Flaxenwick,
So glad you enjoyed it. Yes, roses are beautiful gifts of nature.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
...loved this Happyboomernurse, has "hub of the day" potential, and the pictures are awesome
Take care
John
Welcome John Sarkis,
So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the kind words. They're greatly appreciated.
Gail, this is absolutely stunning. You are one very talented photographer! I loved the interplay of beautiful photos with beautiful words ... like a lovely scrapbook online. And my favourite quote:
"An optimist is someone who notices that onions are more beautiful than roses and concludes they would make better soup." Brilliant!
Thanks for a lovely romp through the roses. Take care!
This is absolutely beautiful and such a lovely tribute to Annette. I loved the entire hub and all the breathtaking photo's.
Very beautiful hub. I love roses. I especially love to receive roses. Yellow is my favorite!
Hi Prairieprincess,
Thanks so much for your insightful comment and kind words. I appreciate your taking time to leave specific feedback and am thrilled that you enjoyed both the photos and quotes.
Sending Hub Hugs Your Way,
Gail
Hi Just Ask Susan,
I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed the photos and quotes and thank you for leaving such a lovely comment.
Annette so deserves this tribute and I've been grateful for the positive response of readers.
Hi Davenstan,
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. I've always thought yellow roses were particularly stunning, but as you, I love them all.
Trishita Banerjee 5 months ago
LOVED ur thing