GENRODOLD
"How in the world did I happen to bloom
All by myself alone,
By the side of a dusty, country road,
With only a rough old stone
"For company?" And the goldenrod,
As she drooped her yellow head,
Gave a mournful sigh. "Who cares for me,
Or knows I'm alive?" she said.
"A snow-white daisy I'd like to be,
Half-hid in the cool green sod:
Or a pink spirea, or sweet wild rose–
But I'm only a goldenrod.
"Nobody knows that I'm here, nor cares
Whether I live or die!
Lovers of beautiful flowers, who wants
Such a common thing as I?"
But all of a sudden she ceased her plaint,
For a child's voice cried in glee,
"Here's a dear little lovely goldenrod!
Did you bloom on purpose for me?
"Down by the brook the tall spirea
And the purple asters nod,
And beckon to me–but more than all
Do I love you, goldenrod!"
She raised the flower to her rosy lips,
And merrily kissed its face,
"Ah! now I see," said the goldenrod,
"How this is the very place
"That was meant for me; and I'm glad I bloomed
Just here by the road alone,
With nobody near for company
But a dear old mossy stone!"
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