Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A ROSE by JOHN BANISTER TABB

First Line: THOU HAST NOT TOILED, SWEET ROSE
Last Line: ITS SHADOW FALLS ALIKE ON THEE AND ME!
Subject(s): FLOWERS; ROSES;
THOU hast not toiled, sweet Rose,
Yet needest rest;
Softly thy petals close
Upon thy breast,
Like folded hands, of labor long oppressed.

Naught knowest thou of sin,
Yet tears are thine;
Baptismal drops within
Thy chalice shine,
At morning's birth, at evening's calm decline.

Alas! one day hath told
The tale to thee!
Thy tender leaves enfold
Life's mystery:
Its shadow falls alike on thee and me!



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