Roses Only By Marianne Moore

The poem, “Roses Only” was written by Marianne Moore in 1924. Consisting of no rhyme scheme, little rhythm, and no flowing relationship between words, “Roses Only” breaks the mold of traditional poetry. Despite the unconventional style it was written in, “Roses Only” has a surprising natural rhythm to it and organically conveys its main idea. In “Roses Only” Moore writes addressing a rose, but the rose is only a symbol used as an allusion. Moore uses the rose to indirectly address women. Through poetry, Moore encourages women to not fear being their authentic selves; to not fear their rough edges, but embrace their thorns as the best part of them. This directly relates to the era in which Moore lived. Traditionally, women were expected to be delicate and gentle; however, with the 1920s women began to venture beyond the prescribed values of womanhood. In her book, Marianne Moore: Questions of Authority, Cristanne Miller writes on “Roses Only” stating, “The poem, like the woman, needs to leave behind the limitations of its traditionally lovely, ideally perfect affirm and instead cherish its “brains,” “toads,” and “thorns” (113). This poem speaks to the development in womanhood which took place during Moore’s lifetime.

It follows few poetic rules and measurements, standing as an example to women that they do not have to be entirely within the margins to be beautiful. Looking at what makes up “Roses Only,” it should not flow or appeal to readers in any way. Frankly, it should be a poetic mess. “Roses Only” can even be described as “thorny” because of its use of cacophony and complex syntax mixed with awkwardly long lines. Yet somehow, despite all of this, Moore makes it all work into a beautiful piece of poetry. The prickliness of the poem only adds to the beauty. The thorns, in the end, truly are the best part of