Poems (Ryan)/'Tis Only a Rosebud

by Mary C. Ryan

'TIS ONLY A ROSEBUD.

'Tis only a rosebud, faded and dead!
 But around it still fond memories cling.
In halls of pride its aroma was shed;
 Once of its beauty a poet did sing

In numbers which flowed from heart unto heart,
 And chords long silent vibrated once more;
Its glory defied the poet's loved art,
 But soon its sweet bloom and triumph were o'er.

It drooped and withered, was ruthlessly thrown,
 Anywhere! anywhere! out of the way,
In obscurity now, it lies unknown,
 Even forgotten is its inspired lay.

But thus it is e'er: the joys we possess
 Are cherished one moment, then flung away,
And the charms of youth, the world oft caress;
 In age are forgot and left to decay.

So pick up the faded, castaway flower,
 Tenderly list! as it sighs its last sigh.
For sweet it will be in death's darksome hour,
 To feel and to know, some kind friend is nigh.

For kind words oft cheer the proud broken heart,
 And raise the soul from gloom and despair,
To earth's dreary scenes bright visions impart;
 Jewel above price is sympathy's tear.

Then weep with the sad and laugh with the gay,
 Making life brighter to all whom you meet;
"Well done," will be said then to you some day,
 "Enter into rest eternal and sweet."