Poems (Blake)/Lilies and Roses

by Mary Elizabeth Blake

LILIES AND ROSES.

When a child breathes a pure and earnest prayer,
 Or cheers with gentle words another's gloom,
In heavenly gardens springs a lily fair,
 Before the angels evermore to bloom.

But when he works with strong and earnest will
 Some kindly act,—beneath God's watchful eyes
A fragrant rose, more rare and precious still,
 Makes glad the shining fields of Paradise.

So live, dear boy, that each new day may see
Lilies and roses owe their life to thee!