The Fragrance of Roses

The fragrance of roses betrays you

A jewel in my unbounded heart,

My gratitude hardly repays you

For beauty that fills every part

With love and the flowers of living

And youth in its time of delight,

The joy of a soul's endless giving

That carries us through the long night

Of pain and the sorrow of leaving

A life that fulfils every prayer,

Allowing no time for the grieving

Or voices that speak of despair.

May we to the highest aspiring

Partake of Her unending bliss

The godhead in us desiring

To suffer beatitude's kiss.

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To a young and gracious friend