Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 April 1915 — FLOWERS FOR THE LIVING. [ARTICLE]

FLOWERS FOR THE LIVING.

I know not yet how many weary miles Over Life’s rough path my tired feet must roam. Nor yet how soon my Father’s loving voice May say, “Enough, rAy child, come home.” But when at last my tired, pulseless hands Lay still and useless on my lifelees breast. Oh! friends, let not my couch or casket With beauteous flowers be dressed. Oh! not because I do not love them, nay, God’s frail, sweet, silent message from above, Just that I would not have them perish thus, But sent as tokens of his love. To those whom sin and sickness holds in thrall— From all Life’s brighter things shut in, Oh! let them go to such, to cheer and bless, And lead them back from paths of sin. Oh! friends, leave not your gifts of fragrant flowers And kindly words till cold in death we lay, But give them now, to comfort, cheer and bless The travelers along Life’s way.

E. KAUB.