“Over” The Rose

She kissed the rose I gave her,

     Before my very eyes;

I looked upon the picture

     Spell-bound, in glad surprise.

She kissed the rose I gave her,

     Her lips the petals’ hue;

I gazed in silent longing,

     ‘Twas all that I could do.

I ne’er have wished me soul-less,

     Or any flower that grows,

But O, I’d give a fortune

     Could I have been the rose!

Aug. 14, 1902