A Memory

Amid my treasures once I found
  A simple faded flower;
A flower with all its beauty fled,
  The darling of an hour.
With bitterness I gazed awhile,
  Then flung it from my sight;
For with it all came back to me
  the pain and heedless blight.
But, moved with pity and regret
  I took it up again;
For oh, so long and wearily
  In darkness it had lain.
Ah, purple pansy, once I kissed
  Your dewy petals fair;
For then, indeed, I had no thought
  Of earthly pain or care.
Your faded petals now I touch
  With sacred love and awe;
For never will my heart kneel down
  To earthly will or law.
Your velvet beauty still is dear,
  Though faded now you seem;
You drooped and died, yet still you are
  The symbol of my dream.
Sweet, modest flower, tinged with gold,
  A lesson you have said;
Your purple glory, like my love,
  Is faded now, and dead.

Form: Ballad Comments

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