The rose upon my balcony the morning air perfuming, <br />Was leafless all the winter time and pining for the spring; <br />You ask me why her breath is sweet, and why her cheek is blooming, <br />It is because the sun is out and birds begin to sing. <br /> <br />The nightingale, whose melody is through the greenwood ringing, <br />Was silent when the boughs were bare and winds were blowing keen: <br />And if, Mamma, you ask of me the reason of his singing, <br />It is because the sun is out and all the leaves are green. <br /> <br />Thus each performs his part, Mamma; the birds have found their voices, <br />The blowing rose a flush, Mamma, her bonny cheek to dye; <br />And there's sunshine in my heart, Mamma, which wakens and rejoices, <br />And so I sing and blush, Mamma, and that's the reason why.<br /><br />William Makepeace Thackeray<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-rose-upon-my-balcony/
