IN THE LOWER GARDEN
165
The Rose
Yea, in the grass I see a stalk;
The bending leaves to left and right
Fashion a cross beside the walk.
Tell me the meaning of this sight.
The Gardener
The lily makes a cross because
I planted it to give a sign
That what the Word of God once was
Shall ever be the truth benign.
The Rose
See on the stem it bows its head
Stooping to open unto earth.
The Gardener
So on the cross the Saviour dead
Opened to man a second birth.
The Rose
Oh what a lovely yellow bloom,
Crown of the richest golden hue!
Light from the Garden's open Tomb,
Give me a golden flower too!