by Jim Ross
Member since:
July 9, 2006

Dusty Emerald Treasure (Haiku)

August 09, 2006 01:30 AM EDT
views: 22 | rating: 10/10 (5 votes) | comments: 19

There were two slatted crates on the fourth story balcony, each with several chickens in it. An odd sight for an American visitor in China, but not as odd as an emerald green rose . . . anywhere--which was the reason for the visit

Dusty Emerald Treasure

A green rose grew here
Four stories above bustle
Covered with street soot

© 2006 Jim Ross

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Comments: 19

Carol Roach Aug 9, 2006, 1:46am EDT
beauty in the midst of decay,
Max Babi Aug 9, 2006, 2:37am EDT
Jim, the economy of words lends a power to your words here, lovely poem !
cheerz!
good one! i would love to see that rose!
John Doyle Aug 9, 2006, 5:42am EDT
The resilance of life. Well done
Edward Nudelman Aug 9, 2006, 8:59am EDT
Very nice Jim. And I like your choice of "green rose," not denoting the color of the rose, but that it was alive. Very well done.
Stephen McAllister Aug 9, 2006, 10:09am EDT
Lovely haiku Jim.
perry long Aug 9, 2006, 1:22pm EDT
Dylan Thomas would love this and would probably buy you a scotch. Can't remember the exact poem, but do remember that the words green, force, and fuse were in it. A triumphal homage to the determination of life.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 12:47am EDT
Thank you, Carol. Indeed the rose's beauty was coated by that "decay"; yet the flower's situation seemingly went unnoticed by the family who treasured it. Their eyes sparkled as they spoke of its glory, the uniqueness of its color. This infectious belief rubbed off on me and I will remember the sights, sounds, and smells of the visit as long as I have memory.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 12:49am EDT
Thank you, Max. I am honored to have your praise.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 12:53am EDT
Thank you, Mandi--Your wonderful short story writing skill could tell the story of the rose, the family, their neighborhood, so well . . .
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 12:56am EDT
Hi, John--The poor plant's survival was really a struggle. But it WAS surviving--and blooming!
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 12:58am EDT
Thanks, Liz.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 1:02am EDT
My pleasure, Candida--I appreciate those kind words. You sure got the "miracle" right! Perhaps Miracle Grow would like to know the ingredients of the neighborhood's soot.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 1:08am EDT
Thank you, Ed--I paid homage to the rose's owners as they only referred to the flower as their "green rose". I think serendipity touched my hand for the rest.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 1:10am EDT
Thank you, Steve.
Jim Ross Aug 11, 2006, 1:28am EDT
Perry--I'd have loved to clink glasses with that bard. Is it "Fern Hill" you're thinking of?
You're right about the rose; it was a battler by anyone's definition. I don't think the owners neglected it so much as keeping it clean when their windows needed to be open (no air conditioning) and a city-load of carbon monoxide belchers passed by in endless succession, was impossible. I look forward to your insightful comments!

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