Poems (Tynan)/To Rose in Heaven
TO ROSE IN HEAVENI
My Rose, 'twas the wild rose you were, Trailing upon the hedge-top green; No narrow garden hemmed you in. You had the dearest face, my dear, Rose and white with a touch of brown, Sweet as the country come to town.
The children found your goodness out, The old folk and the poor and weak, And the dog's instinct wise and quick. To me, my Rose, in pain and doubt What were you? Ah, well, none can take The empty place that is heart-break.
The bravest eyes that ever were You had; the honest heart and mind, The tolerant judgment large and kind. Dear, in some day of pain and care, How we shall miss your eyes and face! And oh, your Heaven 's a far-off place.
II
You need not fear again The East Wind and the snows, Nor dree your weird of pain, Sickness and dying, Rose. In God's land summer is,And health and youth and bliss.
You need not go away, When going was like death, For leave to live your day, For leave to draw your breath. In God's land where you stray, Sweet is the summer day.
You need not have for friend House-mate and bed-fellow,Pain that had never an end, And sickness sad and slow; Or lie the long night through While life ebbed out from you.
O there is no home-sickness, Because it is our home; Nor labour nor distress, Nor watching wearisome. You need not fear the snows,North Wind nor East Wind, Rose!
III
I hope you will not wear in Heaven A different face from that we knew, Rose, like the rose that morn and even Hath sun and dew!
Wear no new smiles, but smile as when You were our own, to heal and bless,Drawing from heavy hearts of men Their heaviness.
Be just so kind, be just so brave, There in your glory infinite! No primrose growing on your grave Is half so sweet
As you, my dear, were in the world. You left your own place desolate. The pale spring foliage is uncurled And the birds mate
The pleasant days you loved of yore. I think that where you are, my dear. You love the things you loved before When you were here.
Wear no new face, but keep the old, Look from your glory and your grace, From underneath the rays of gold With the old face!