In his poem “The Rose that Grew from Concrete”, Tupac Shakur introduces to us an instance in a life where despite the hard (concrete) circumstances and conflicts that one can be faced with, they can overcome and rise to their dreams Though this may be a rather short poem, it is strong and concise The first two lines are set to grab the reader‘s attention right away. When seeing the first line of text “Did you hear about the rose that grew”, he begins a question to make you wonder about the contradicting second line, “that grew from a crack in the concrete. Of course the answer should be no if you’re considering a literal flower growing from a crack in the sidewalk, “Proving nature‘s law is wrong it”, simply implies that the rose growing out of the crack in the concrete defies nature‘s ways. For a rose to grow, it needs good soil, water, sunlight, and consistent care.
In this poem, the rose is to be personified and the crack in the concrete relates to a possibly tough life and/or unfortunate environment, Finishing the rest of the statement, “learned to walk without having feet”, shows us that regardless of the rose’s harsh circumstances, it found its way to sprout and mature. “Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams“ — “it learned to breathe fresh air”, means that ironic as it may seem for a person to come from such an unlikely background, that when they kept to their dreams they managed to get the opportunity to prosper. The last lines, “Long live the rose that grew from concrete” — “when no one else ever cared”, suggests to praise the rose (person) for becoming, for no one ever cared and/or thought of it (them)t Tupac ends this poem to leave the reader with ambition and motivation If the rose can make it out in this world with the least ideal roots and nothing to support it, so can your.
Tupac further emphasizes the importance of nurturing and support in the pursuit of growth and achievement. He asks, “Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else ever cared.” This line conveys the significance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts and achievements of those who have emerged from challenging circumstances. It serves as a call to acknowledge the potential within individuals who may be overlooked or dismissed due to their backgrounds.
“The Rose That Grew from Concrete” is a deeply personal and introspective poem that offers insight into Tupac Shakur’s worldview and his own struggles. It showcases his ability to communicate profound messages through vivid metaphors and imagery. The poem’s enduring popularity lies in its universal appeal, resonating with individuals who have faced adversity and encouraging them to embrace their own resilience and potential. Overall, “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” serves as a testament to Tupac Shakur’s poetic talent and his ability to inspire others through his words. It highlights the importance of recognizing the strength and potential within ourselves and others, regardless of the circumstances we face.
