The Tomb and the Rose

Kent Knowlton

Said the tomb to love’s sweet flower,
“Of the dews which morning’s hour
Brings to thee, what mak’st thou, pray?”

“What mak’st thou,” the rose replied,
“Of all who through thy portal wide
Pass beyond the light of day?”

The the rose said: “Sombre grave.
Of the dews which morning gave,
Perfumes, honey-sweet, make I.”

Said the tomb: “O plaintive flower.
Of each soul that feels my power,
I make an angel in the sky.”