The Harison rose was bred in New York City and carried west
by the 49ers in the Gold Rush. It’s a hardy rose that survives and
blooms at higher elevations – like Georgetown, Colorado. I happen
to have been here in its blooming time and took this photo in my
sister’s front yard.
A hardy rose, Lord, en route to California,
made a stop and put down roots
in Georgetown, Coloardo…
Seeking gold in them thar hills,
miners brought this rose of gold
and after all the panning ceased
and the spent mines had been shuttered
this rose still shone like nuggets
in a cool, clear mountain stream…
Now every summer gold’s still found,
abud on thorny shrubs:
blooming bright reflections
of the sun whose warmth and brightness
flowers soft in petaled cups…
Thanks to Mr. Harison
and those who made the trek in covered wagons,
these roses bloom, to my delight,
beside my sister’s porch and in 2023 – I strike gold:
the gold of hardy stock,
abloom in fragile petals,
bright with summer sun,
gilded by your touch, Lord,
a gift, a boon, a blessing…
