A fragile little bud upon a stem; A tender thing with face turned to the sky, Unfolding hour by hour -- a living gem, So beautiful -- yet it was born to die. It shines up through the dark and storm and sun, And quietly attains its flowerhood: A heavenly form by angel fingers spun And brought to earth to grace the fields and wood. Though you are fragile and so few your days, I cannot look upon your lovely face -- Oh living wonder in reflected rays -- But promise of a future there I trace. You bravely stand upon a rooted sod And give your beauty and sweet fragrance free, With smiling face turned to the sun, your god; Earth's queen of beauty you were born to be. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A COURT LADY by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING STANZAS FOR MUSIC (2) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON MAUDE CLARE by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI JOHN BROWN OF OSAWATOMIE [OCTOBER 16, 1859] by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN PETER STUYVESANT'S NEW YEAR'S CALL, 1 JAN. 1661 by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN FOR THOSE AT SEA; HYMN by WILLIAM WHITING WHAT BEST I SEE; TO U.S.G. RETURN'D FROM HIS WORLD'S TOUR by WALT WHITMAN |