When a flower drops its petals
and its seeds are blown away
And its dry stalks tremble, break
to drop and lie amidst decay,
When a tall tree bends its wide limbs
and its leaves are swept away
Seeking safe and sheltered haven
hence await another day,
When a dream still waits unbidden
as the years have caused delay
And the hopes that fill a young mind
through the years have gone astray
When a heart that’s old and mellow
beats its last and sad farewell
Searching for the final hospice
where the soul at peace may dwell,
When the aims of every lifetime
falter, tarry and dispel
Knowing soon the battle’s over
and its goals have too short fell,
There among these winter feelings
where the hurt will rise and swell,
Face that fleeting day of anger,
sally forth and chance rebel.
Claire V. Bogdanos 