Human Flower Project

‘I Grow the White Rose’

From Jose Marti, Cuban poet and fighter for democracy, “the warrior who never took a life.”

Jose’ Marti and friend
Photo: Free Cuba Foundation

Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca

Cultivo una rosa blanca
En julio como en enero,
Para el amigo sincero
Que me da su mano franca.

Y para el cruel que me arranca
El corazon con que vivo,
Cardo ni ortiga cultivo,
Cultivo una rosa blanca.

Jose Marti (1853-1895)

I Grow the White Rose

I grow the white rose
In July as in January
For the sincere friend
Who gives me his frank hand

And for the cruel one who tears out
The heart with which I live.
Neither thorn nor thistle do I grow;
I grow the white rose.

Jose Marti (1853-1895)

Posted by on 07/24 at 09:18 AM

Looking at the world,
I wish there were white roses
wilding growing everywhere.

Posted by on 07/25 at 11:33 AM

Dear Victoria,

Thank you for writing.
J

Posted by on 07/25 at 06:06 PM