Classic Poem

Edelweiss

This edelweiss I wear was not first mine;
I had it cheaply in the little town
Of one who from the mountains had come down;
A meek-eyed man, rough-clad, with many a sign
Of burning sun and of the tempest's frown.
Now through the valley, with its corn and wine,
His star-blooms badge the thronging tourists fine
Whose feet his toilsome path have never known.

O prophet souls, who with bruised feet have trod
The heaven-lit heights and thence to us have brought
Your wider vision, your high-hearted faith,
Your hope for Man, your larger thought of God, —
We wear your edelweiss; Life's common lot
Ever to your high service witnesseth!English