Ashes of Roses

Skies glooming overhead, Autumn winds sighing; Bare yonder garden bed, Flowers low lying.

All their rich radiance fled, All their pale petals shed, Wan wraiths of Summer sped, In Autumn's closes;

Crimson and cream and gold Strewn on earth's bosom cold, Mingling with umber mold — Ashes of roses.

See, in yon waning West Rich roses blowing On Heaven's palimpsest God's message glowing;

Rose hues and amethyst Drenched in purpureate mist, Darkness with Day keeps tryst, Night's curtain closes;

Quenched is the burning gold, Shadowed the upland wold, Day's fires grow dull and cold Ashes of roses.

So on this heart of mine Shadows are lying; Lotus and rue entwine, Dim dreams are dying;

Stilled is the thrill divine, Spilled is the amber wine, Dimly the cold stars shine; Wan age discloses

All youth's bright blossoms dead, All love's rare radiance sped, All hope's pure petals shed — Ashes of roses.