Poems (Sharpless)/When the Roses Bloomed

by Frances M. Sharpless

WHEN THE ROSES BLOOMED

'Twas when the roses bloomed,
 One little year ago,
That she lay smiling on my breast,
 Who sleepeth where they grow.

One little year! so much to me
 This little year has taught!
Tho' 'tis as yet so fresh a thing,
 'is feeling more than thought.

So sweet a joy she gave to me,
 My heart throbbed low in fear,
That bliss so perfect as mine own
 Not long should bless me here.

But when the angels took her back,
 I felt 'twas fitter given,
That such a treasure as this was
 Were sheltered safe in Heaven.

And when I think how oft my heart,
 Its heavy weight beneath,
Sighs that it had not passed away
 Thro' gates of birth to death,

I would not for my selfish love
 Reverse her early doom,
But bless the happiness I felt
 When last the roses bloomed.