Poems (Rice)/Impromptu for a Gift of Roses

by Maria Theresa Rice

IMPROMPTU FOR A GIFT OF ROSES.

A ROSE has magic in its leaves,  Or in its petals I should say; A spell around my heart it weaves,  Sweet lady, then be chary, pray.

This offering is sweet and fair,  Which thou on me dost now bestow; Its dewy fragrance seems so rare,  How to describe I hardly know—

Or how to thank thee for thy gift,  So freely to a stranger given; I sometimes think that angels dwell  Upon the earth the same as heaven.