Poems (Lambert)/The Crushed Flower
THE CRUSHED FLOWER.
AS through earth's garden once I strayed I saw a rose tree fair—And from it plucked an opening bud In all its beauty rare.
I gazed deep in its heart of hearts— It blushed beneath my eye;While its faint fragrance seemed to breathe A gentle, unheard sigh.
'Twas mine alone! I cherished it— My frail and lovely flower!Until another bud I found, More beauteous, in an hour.
Then with relentless hand I broke The floweret's fragile stem:I spoiled the gem that would have graced A monarch's diadem!
But stern remorse soon touched my heart,— Back to the spot I rushed.Alas! too late; my flower was there, But its poor heart was crushed!