Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Concrete Rose

Neighboring Pasadena is known as the rose city, but this mysterious South Pasadena Rose fascinates me. I step over her name every time I take a walk in my neighborhood and with each crossing I wonder who she was and when she made this defiant mark in the sidewalk cement. I think names written in concrete are wonderful things – and for whatever reason, South Pasadena sidewalks have a lot of them. Unlike cemetery markers – so final, so respectful, so literal – these signatures are a testament to a city’s playful, chest-thumping whimsy. Whoever Rose is or was, one day she leaned down, picked up a stick and left this statement that she was here, a part of this place. Right on, Rose! The next time I see a patch of wet cement, I’ll be hard pressed not to do the same thing.

14 comments:

Virginia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eki said...

I like the division of space in this composition, Laurrie. Nice.

ben wideman said...

You've had some awesome images up over the last few weeks while I've been away! Thanks for sharing.

-K- said...

Hi Laurie - Thank you for all the nice comments on my photos. If I'm lucky, I post a couple a week. Thanks again!

Judy Williams said...

This is so poignant and has a kind of tenderness about it. But my immediate thought upon seeing it was that someone ELSE wrote her name as a tribute or perhaps a wistful thought. It could have been her son or her long lost boyfriend, walking by thinking that he would make ROSE an indelible part of the city whose name carries that flowery moniker.

USelaine said...

I woke
I rose
I sallied forth!

Anonymous said...

L, u finally found Heirloom! It was next to you all this time.
I would be interested in your opinion of it. (and a pic?!)

Virginia said...

I really shouldn't leave comments when I first wake up and haven't had coffee! I meant to say you had ME wondering about Rose now too. Regardless, I enjoyed your photo and commentary as always. you are a wonderful addition to this motley crew of photo bloggers.

Dixie Jane said...

I agree with Jutilda. Rose didn't write her own name for posterity. It was Jimmy, or Freddie or someone who carried her deep in his heart for all time.....so left an indelible mark. She may now have her hair in a grey bun but for Jimmy or Freddie she will always remain that sweet, never to be forgotten, Rose.

Copenhagen said...

I love roses.

Auntie S said...

"Concrete Rose" is
an image and title,
Simple and direct,

Auntie S said...

Perfect!

Anonymous said...

L, well I sure hope you're sure those aren't cemetery markers in your neighborhood. hohoho!!

"The Long, Secret, Dark past of Hometown South Pasadena", a true novel, by Laurie Allee

Laurie Allee said...

Thanks for all the lovely responses!

Welcome Sumi!

Elaine, i love your poetic comments.