Spanish Poetry

Cultivo una rosa blanca

en junio como enero

para el amigo sincero

que ma da su mano franco

Y para el cruel que me arranca

el corazón con que vivo,

cardo ni ortiga cultivo;

cultivo la rosa blanca.

English translation:

I cultivate a white rose 

in June and January 

for the true friend

who gives me his sincere hand.

And for the cruel one who rips it out

the heart with which I live, 

I don't cultivate the thistle or the nettle;

I cultivate the white rose.

The author of this poem is a prominent Cuban writer, philosopher, and natural hero. This poem is a part of his collection "Versos Sencillos." Martí's name was a synonym for liberty throughout Latin America. Martí was distinguished for his personal prose and simple verses on themes of a free and united America. Martí was born January 28, 1853 and died on a battlefield May 19, 1895. Martí had several poems published by the age of 15 and he founded his own newspaper, La Patria Libre ("The Free Fatherland"). He ended up being deported to Spain and that is where he continued to write and received a Masters degree in law and publishing political essays. 

This poem is very poignant and emblematic and it truly speaks of the poet's commitment to cultivating purity, truth, and freedom in a world full of deceit and troubles. The metaphor of a white rose signifies that the readers should nurture righteousness of honesty and sincerity. The possibility to strive for a better society where love and friendship prevails. Martí contrasts the white rose with the thistles and nettles which could symbolize bitterness and a sharp tone. Some of the key themes within this poem consist of friendship, compassion for enemies, and consistency in virtue. The act of cultivating the rose "in June as in January" accentuates the significange of living by one's values in all situations. To some this poem is a reflection of Martí's broader political and philisophical ideals. He imagined a world where love and respect grow past personal and political conflicts or differences. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the poem reflects a timeless and universal call for peace.