BRAVE flowers--that I could gallant it like you, <br /> And be as little vain! <br />You come abroad, and make a harmless show, <br /> And to your beds of earth again. <br />You are not proud: you know your birth: <br />For your embroider'd garments are from earth. <br /> <br />You do obey your months and times, but I <br /> Would have it ever Spring: <br />My fate would know no Winter, never die, <br /> Nor think of such a thing. <br />O that I could my bed of earth but view <br />And smile, and look as cheerfully as you! <br /> <br />O teach me to see Death and not to fear, <br /> But rather to take truce! <br />How often have I seen you at a bier, <br /> And there look fresh and spruce! <br />You fragrant flowers! then teach me, that my breath <br />Like yours may sweeten and perfume my death.<br /><br />Henry King<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-contemplation-upon-flowers/
