AES226 Give Them the Flowers Now

Closed eyes can't see the white roses,

Cold hands can't hold them, you know;

Breath that is stilled cannot gather

The odors that sweet from them blow.

Death, with a peace beyond dreaming,

Its children of earth doth endow;

Life is the time we can help them,

So give them the flowers now!

Here are the struggles and striving,

Here are the cares and the tears;

Now is the time to be smoothing

The frowns and the furrows and fears.

What to closed eyes are kind sayings?

What to hushed heart is deep vow?

Naught can avail after parting,

So give them the flowers now!

Just a kind word or a greeting;

Just a warm grasp or a smile—

These are the flowers that will lighten

The burdens for many a mile.

After the journey is over

What is the use of them; how

Can they carry them who must be carried?

Oh, give them the flowers now!

Blooms from the happy heart's garden,

Plucked in the spirit of love;

Blooms that are earthly reflections

Of flowers that blossom above.

Words cannot tell what a measure

Of blessing such gifts will allow

To dwell in the lives of many,

So give them the flowers now!

-Leigh M. Hodges-