I reviewed the book A White Rose by Amy Ephron. The title of the book was inspired by the poem of the same name written by José Martí.
Marti’s Background
José Martí was born to poor Spanish immigrants in Havana, Cuba. At age 16, Martí’s poetry appeared in printed materials. He was passionate about liberating Cuba from the Spanish. Eventually he used his writing to support that cause. In 1869, he created a newspaper called La Patria Libre, The Free Homeland. The same year, Martí was arrested for his criticism of the Spanish.
In 1871 at his release from prison, he was deported to Spain, earned his degree in law, and moved to several countries. He became a delegate to the Cuban Revolutionary Party and created plans to invade Cuba. Finally he returned to Cuba in 1895 to aid in fighting. Martí was shot and killed on May 19 by the Spanish troops.
Download PDF version here: Una Rosa Blanca-1
Reflections on the Poem
I took a college course in Spanish Literature where we had to analyze poems. I dislike analyzing poems, but I will say that I love poetry. It’s fun to read and sometimes enlightening. The Cuban Poet José Martí wrote”I Cultivate a White Rose.”
White roses symbolizes eternal love, purity, innocence, and sympathy. They are the perfect flowers for a new beginning or a farewell. This is a beautiful poem about love and kindness.
In the first verse, he says, “I cultivate my white roses, in January as in July.” He commits to those roses all throughout the year. No matter the season or the reason. Also in this verse his true friend receives white roses. The friend is someone trust worthy so it is expected.
He also says that he will give roses to those who mistreat him. He won’t hold any grudges (thorns or thistles) towards the person instead he will cultivate a rose for them as well. Whether they are good or bad towards him, he will treat them with kindness and share his roses with them. That’s something the only the strong can do.
Thank you for Reading!
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter/ Pinterest
Resources:
About Flowers
The Poem
Poem Meaning
Resource about Marti
Other articles on this book:
