1. cease

  • If I should cease to bring a Rose

    If I should cease to bring a Rose

    Upon a festal day,

    'Twill be because beyond the Rose

    I have been called away —

    If I should cease to take the names

    My buds commemorate —

    'Twill be because Death's finger

    Claps my murmuring lip!

  • When Roses cease to bloom, Sir,

    When Roses cease to bloom, Sir,

    And Violets are done —

    When Bumblebees in solemn flight

    Have passed beyond the Sun —

    The hand that paused to gather

    Upon this Summer's day

    Will idle lie — in Auburn —

    Then take my flowers — pray!