EVANESCENCE. 
185 
POPPY, RED. 
Papaver Rheas. 
Language — EVANESCENCE. 
Pleasures are like poppies spread; 
You seize the flower, the bloom is shed. 
Burns. 
Dawn, gentle flower, 
From the morning earth! 
We will gaze and wonder 
At thy wondrous birth J 
Bloom, gentle flower! 
Lover of the light, 
Sought by wind and shower, 
Fondled by the night. 
Fade, gentle flower ! 
All thy white leaves close; 
Having shown thy beauty, 
Time ’tis for repose. 
Die, gentle flower, 
In the silent sun ! 
So, — all pangs are over, 
All thy tasks are done ! 
Day hath no more glory, 
Though he soars so high ; 
Thine is all man's story — 
Live . and love , and die ! 
