Classic Poem

Ashes of roses, where the clouds were burning
A breath ago — so swiftly sink the fires.
Beauty remembered, ashen roses, yearning
Over the quiet roofs and dreaming spires.
Beauty to ashes evermore returning,
Flickering down of wildest old desires —
Ashes — the deathless Bird of Joy was burning
A breath ago, upon a thousand pyres.

Beauty for ashes! Singing with the morning,
Burns the bright rose of everlasting years;
Beauty for ashes — all our travail scorning,
Young laughter gushes from old rocky fears;
Beauty for ashes: life for life adorning,
The Future makes her jewels of our tears.