Classic Poem

As in a rose-jar filled with petals sweet
Blown long ago in some old garden place,
Mayhap, where you and I, a little space,
Drank deep of love and knew that love was fleet--
Or leaves once gathered from a lost retreat
By one who never will again retrace
Her silent footsteps--one, whose gentle face
Was fairer than the roses at her feet;

So, deep within the vase of memory,
I keep my dust of roses fresh and dear
As in the days before I knew the smart
Of time and death. Nor aught can take from me
The haunting fragrance that still lingers here--
As in a rose-jar, so within my heart!