THESE blossoms of empurpled hue, They drink not of the vernal dew; They bloom not in the summer sheen, When flowers are gay, and leaves are green; When Autumn gilds the bright parterre, They mix not with the fragrance there; But when, the sky with clouds o'ercast, Rough winter chills the sweeping blast, Then, peering forth, each purple gem Shines bright upon the leafless stem. True friendship thus its presence hides; When all is bright aloof it bides; Shuns to intrude amid the throng When mirth and joy the hours prolong; But comes when flattering crowds depart, And sheds a balm into the heart; Then only, in affliction, known Its worth, when all the rest are flown! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OH YOU ARE COMING by SARA TEASDALE THE QUESTION by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON THE MOTHER by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE THE CAUTIOUS HOUSEHOLDER by ANAXILAS TO ADOLPHE GAIFFE by THEODORE FAULLAIN DE BANVILLE |