THESE blossoms of empurpled hue, They drink not of the vernal dew; They bloom not in the summer sheen, When flowers are gay, and leaves are green; When Autumn gilds the bright parterre, They mix not with the fragrance there; But when, the sky with clouds o'ercast, Rough winter chills the sweeping blast, Then, peering forth, each purple gem Shines bright upon the leafless stem. True friendship thus its presence hides; When all is bright aloof it bides; Shuns to intrude amid the throng When mirth and joy the hours prolong; But comes when flattering crowds depart, And sheds a balm into the heart; Then only, in affliction, known Its worth, when all the rest are flown! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BOATS IN A FOG by ROBINSON JEFFERS PRO PATRIA MORI by THOMAS MOORE THE DESTINY OF GENIUS by MARIA ABDY PAMPINEA by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH ON EDWARD WEBBE, ENGLISH GUNNER by WILLIAM ROSE BENET ON READING THAT THE REBUILDING OF YPRES APPROACHED COMPLETION by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |