Part 2 — "A ROSE WILL FADE"
Reading edition
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!
Dora Sigerson Shorter [1862-1918]