Celia Thaxter

A Rose of Joy for a Betrothal

AS when one wears a fragrant rose
    Close to the heart, a rose most fair,
And while the day’s life onward flows
    Forgets that it is fastened there,
 
And wonders what delicious charm
    Dwells in the air about, and whence
Come the rich wafts of perfume warm
    Subtly saluting soul and sense;
 
And then, remembering what it is,
    Bends smiling eyes the flower above,
Adores its beauty and its bliss
    And looks on it with grateful love -
 
Even so I wear, O friend of mine,
    The sweet thought of your happiness;
The knowledge of your joy divine
    Is fragrant with a power to bless.
 
With the day’s work preoccupied
    Vaguely, half conscious of delight,
Upborne as on a buoyant tide,
    I wonder why life seems so bright.
 
Then memory speaks; then winter gray
    And age and cares that have no end
Touch me no more. I am to-day
    Rich in the wealth that cheers my friend.
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