Question

What does the phrase “the rose that grew from concrete” mean figuratively as used in this poem?

Answer 1

Answer: The poet begins the poem with a question that whether we have heard about the rose that has grown out from a crack in the concrete. Refuting the laws of nature, the rose has learnt how to walk without having feet. Although it seems funny, but by focusing and realizing his dreams, it finally learnt to survive by breathing the fresh air around him. The lack of care and surrounding did not prove to bring hindrance to the rose’s growth. In the last lines, the poet expresses support by saying ‘long live’ and he claims that as the rose focused on keeping his dreams, it was able to live a long life.

 

Explanation: