Poems (Dodd)/Surely to thee, my Rose
SURELY TO THEE, MY ROSE.
"I never loved a tree, or flower,But 'twas the first to fade away."
"Surely to thee, my rose, Harm can come never;"Thus did I fondly say, Tending-it ever.Lovely its blossoms grew, From the storm shaded;The frost-spirit kissed it, Then the rose faded.
Sister, to watch o'er thee, Is my sad duty;Thou too art frail and fair, Rose-like in beauty.Fast from thy damask cheek, Life's hue is flying,And, like thine emblem true, Thou too art dying.
Thus do the visions bright, Fond hope has given,Pass like the sunset hues, Paling to even.All that I ever love, All that I cherish,Twine close around my heart, Only to perish.