A garden-plot of sunny hours
God gives me when I wake,
And I can make it bright with flowers
All day for his dear sake.
Red roses, if my heart is sweet
With love for all my own;
And heart’s-ease springing at my feet
For every kindness shown.
And shining, sunny marigold,
If I am brave and bright;
And lilies, for the thoughts that hold
My heart all pure and white.
Sweet violets, hiding in their leaves,
For truth and modesty;
And balsams if a soul that grieves
Finds comforting in me.
And poppies, if my toil brings rest
To hands grown tired with care;
And always – first and last and best –
Forget-me-nots of prayer.
Mabel Earle