Classic Poem

I bought once in an idle hour
From off a city stall
A book, and from its leaves a flower
I carelessly let fall.

I found a page all deeply stained
With its dark blood so blue,
And then I read with senses strained
This short sad story through.

" I kept the tryst where Psyche throws
Faint ambush o'er love's quest,
And you will find my blood red rose
Upon her marble breast.

And now I go to hide my pain
Where death's dark shadows creep,
I go but ne'er will come again
A fruitless tryst to keep. "

And as I read the plaint of years
The word, " God make us kind, "
I found all stained by woman's tears,
Upon the margin lined.

Then as I felt the bitter power
Of those sad lovers' pain,
I stooped and raised the withered flower
And placed it back again.