Classic Poem

O roses, glowing in this amber bowl!
O roses, gleaming in your happy dew!
I would I had some roses in my soul
As beautiful as you.

Such thoughts as children think in holy mood;
Such thoughts as infants' guardian forms of light,
Or purest maidens dream in solitude,
Should be my roses white.

Stirrings of hope and joy as fair as brides;
Such thoughts as victor souls in Heaven think,
Musings of saints with vision satisfied,
Should be my roses pink.

With flaming zeal and infinite desire;
With brave renewal after blight of woe;
With strong endeavor and celestial fire,
My golden rose should glow.

A wise new plan for helping men forlorn;
A sympathy of great compassion bred;
A warmth of love from suffering nobly borne,
Should be my roses red.

Had I such blossoms blowing in my soul
How gladly would I pluck them for my King,
And bring them, brimming o'er Life's golden bowl,
A morning offering.