Still Here - Literally Smelling My Roses!

The lily has a smooth stalk

Will never hurt your hand,

But the rose upon her briar

Is the lady of the land.

-Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

This is the view from my kitchen window.

O Rose, thou flower of flowers, thou fragrant wonder,

Who shall describe thee in they ruddy prime,

Thy perfect fullness in the summertime,

When the pale leaves blushingly part asunder

And show the warm red heart lies glowing under?

Thou shouldst bloom surely in some sunny clime,

Untouched by blights and chilly winter’s rime,

Where lightnings never flash nor peals the thunder,

And yet in happier spheres they cannot need thee

So much as we do with our weight of woe;

Perhaps they would not tend, perhaps not heed thee,

And thou wouldst lonely and neglected grow;

And He who is all wise, He hath decreed thee

To gladden earth and cheer all hearts below.

- Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)