I would rather have one little rose

From the garden of a friend

Than to have the choicest flowers

When my stay on earth must end.


I would rather have one pleasant word

In kindness said to me

Than flattery when my heart is still

And life has ceased to be.


br /ing me all your flowers today

Whether pink or white or red

I'd rather have one blossom now

Than a truckload when I'm dead.

Anonymous