WORLD FLOWER
Reading edition
ON the Stem of the World A flower hangs blighted, Flower that plighted Its scarlet, uncurled, To Pageant of Kings And war-garlandings And banners unfurled. On the Stalk of the World That flower hangs broken, Gold pollen-token, Nothingward hurled, Withered its fineness Its perfumed divineness, Petals far whirled! On the Branch of the World, Bud of tomorrow, Watered by sorrow, Holds, all impearled, Blossom increase, Petals of peace In sunlight whorled. Ye, who walk doubting, Care for this Flower! Not yet its hour, In all the shouting.... Only, soft hid in the stamens, is lying Pollen of souls that dared all the dying. They gave the seed. Wet from our crying Blooms the New World.