The Little Rose Tree

I am starting a new tradition where I adopt a new poem every month.  I can analyze it, memorize it, or illustrate it.  This month I adopted The Little Rose Tree by Rachel Field because I felt it was just begging to be illustrated!  

The Little Rose Tree

 Every rose on the little tree

Is making a different face at me!

Some look surprised when I pass by

And others droop—but they are shy.

These two whose heads together press

Tell secrets I could never guess.

Some have their heads thrown back to sing,

And all the buds are listening.

I wonder if the gardener knows,

Or if he calls each just a rose?

Anger

Last weekend I attended a yoga retreat up in Red River Gorge.  I had an experience there that inspired me to paint this picture.  I described it in my diary:

February 23, 2012

"Last night when Susan took us through the meditation practice she asked us to focus on different sensations: hot, cold, pleasure, pain, contentment, and anger.  I was taken aback when she asked us to think on anger because I felt a sudden surge of rage rush up within me like a river stopped by a dam that has just been released.  My face contorted.   It came on so suddenly.  It felt good.  I am not someone who allows herself to feel anger often, but apparently I've kept it bottled up somewhere inside my core, and it was longing to be released.  I wanted to hold on to that feeling, but Susan told us to let it go.  With tremendous effort I pushed the feeling out and moved on to the next exercise."

This feeling was so powerful I felt compelled to paint directly afterward so I pulled out my water colors and did my best to portray that powerful emotion.