Classic Poem

You were always a dreamer, Rose—red Rose,
—As you swung on your perfumed spray,
Swinging, and all the world was true,
Swaying, what did it trouble you?
—A rose will fade in a day.

Why did you smile to his face, red Rose,
—As he whistled across your way?
And all the world went mad for you,
All the world it knelt to woo.
—A rose will bloom in a day.

I gather your petals, Rose—red Rose,
—The petals he threw away.
And all the world derided you;
Ah! the world, how well it knew
—A rose will fade in a day!