TO A ROSEBUD

I pinned thee, Rosebud, on his coat When thou wert fresh and fair, And I recall thou did’st exhale For us a fragrance rare. With reverent touch, to-night I fold Thy withered leaves with care About this lifeless heart of thine, And breathe a grateful prayer. O tell me, Rosebud, wert thou deaf To all we said that night; Or did’st thou feel those kisses warm That thrilled us with delight? Thy lingering breath is sweet to me Thy beauty is not fled, And while thou live’st in memory I will not call thee dead.