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1842–1914

AN AUGURY.

Ambrose Bierce

Upon my desk a single spray, With starry blossoms fraught. I write in many an idle way, Thinking one serious thought.

“O flowers, a fine Greek name ye bear, And with a fine Greek grace.” Be still, O heart, that turns to share The sunshine of a face.

“Have ye no messages — no brief, Still sign:‘ Despair’, or‘ Hope’?” A sudden stir of stem and leaf — A breath of heliotrope!

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AN AUGURY. · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove