Poems (Rice)/Resurrection Flower
RESURRECTION FLOWER.
FROM a sainted maiden, From her bosom cold, Came this lovely blossom Which I now behold; Shrouded long in mystery Did its beauty glow, Round the princely maiden Centuries ago.
Egypt's fairest daughter— Sure an angel's hand Led her 'cross the water To the spirit-land; Loving hands and gentle Embalmed her for the tomb, Bade its germ to bourgeon, In ages after bloom.
Could the loved departed Reanimate that form, Could the dews and sunshine Precious, genial, warm, Bring back life and feeling,— Alas! alas! 'tis vain To call the sainted maiden Back to earth again.
A prototype, its beauty, Of gifts divinely fair; And easily 'tis blasted To blossom brighter there; The heart shall never weary, The soul shall feel no blight, Symbolical of heaven, Of joy, of hope, delight.
Come and read the story Upon its petals fair, How we may shine in glory, How we may enter there; Beautiful, transcendent, So may my soul arise, And bloom for aye immortal, In God's own paradise.