I watched a rosebud very long <br />Brought on by dew and sun and shower, <br />Waiting to see the perfect flower: <br />Then, when I thought it should be strong, <br />It opened at the matin hour <br />And fell at evensong. <br /> <br />I watched a nest from day to day, <br />A green nest full of pleasant shade, <br />Wherein three speckled eggs were laid: <br />But when they should have hatched in May, <br />The two old birds had grown afraid <br />Or tired, and flew away. <br /> <br />Then in my wrath I broke the bough <br />That I had tended so with care, <br />Hoping its scent should fill the air; <br />I crushed the eggs, not heeding how <br />Their ancient promise had been fair: <br />I would have vengeance now. <br /> <br />But the dead branch spoke from the sod, <br />And the eggs answered me again: <br />Because we failed dost thou complain? <br />Is thy wrath just? And what if God, <br />Who waiteth for thy fruits in vain, <br />Should also take the rod?<br /><br />Christina Georgina Rossetti<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/symbols-9/
