TO A FLOWER. 
Dawn, gentle flower, 
From the morning earth! 
We will gaze and wonder 
At thy wondrous birth ! 
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! 
Lo,—all pangs are over, 
All thy tasks are done ! 



