Suggestive programs for special day exercises/State Flower
THE DAINTY STATE FLOWER.
BY AN EX-WOLVERINE.
The roses of June in their glory
May flood with sweet perfume the air,
And charm its some magical story
Of all that: is radiant and fair;
And of many a rose petal faded
The lingering odor may still
Restore to the heart sorrow-laden
Some exquisite, passionate thrill.
And "pansies for thoughts" may oft lighten
Our burdens with dreams that inspire,
And shy little violets brighten
Of memory’s alter the fire;
But so sweet reminiscences never
May any of these recall,
As the scent of the apple bloom, ever
The daintest fragrance of all.
Not the sound of a voice entrancing
With pleasure akin to pain,
Nor sheen of a white wing glancing,
Nor sun-gleam after the rain,
Ever brings me such glint of a glory
That gilded an hour long ago,—
As the first faint odors shed o'er me
That out of the apple blooms flow.
Its Language
The language of the apple blossom is "preference," because added to its beauty is the thought that it is the fore-runner of a fine and useful fruit, and so may be preferred even to the rose itself.
