Poems (Ryan)/A Gem Without a Flaw
A GEM WITHOUT A FLAW.
I tried to buy a jewel bright, Of purest serenest ray; Without a flaw to mar the beauteous gleams That o'er its surface play.
I thought I'd wear a thornless rose, Forever upon my heart; A sweet red rose, that to life's dreary scenes Rich fragrance would impart.
And then I sought to find a friend, Who faultless would ever prove; His heart, a cup to hold the sweets of life, Receptacle of love.
I sought in vain to find one joy That was unalloyed with woe, One flawless gem, one perfect thing of clay, One spot of peace below.
I searched in vain, I could not find One single perfect thing; When lo! came whispers from the spirit land, A flaw is but death's sting.
All blemished things must pass away, Earth's fairest flowers must die, But perfect gems some day you'll surely find With immortality.