A Violet Speaks
O PASSER-BY, draw near!
Upon a grave I grow;
That she who died was dear
They planted me to show.
Pluck me as you go by —
I am her messenger;
With her sweet breath I sigh;
In me her pulses stir.
Through these my quivering leaves
She fain would speak to you —
She whom the grave bereaves
Of the dear life she knew.
" How glad I was up there! "
She whispers underground.
" Have they who found me fair
Some other fair one found?
" Has he who loved me best
Learned Love's deep lore again,
Upon a grave I grow;
That she who died was dear
They planted me to show.
Pluck me as you go by —
I am her messenger;
With her sweet breath I sigh;
In me her pulses stir.
Through these my quivering leaves
She fain would speak to you —
She whom the grave bereaves
Of the dear life she knew.
" How glad I was up there! "
She whispers underground.
" Have they who found me fair
Some other fair one found?
" Has he who loved me best
Learned Love's deep lore again,