The Rose And The Bee

'Well, what tidings today?' said the bee To the burgeoning rose. 'You are young, yet already you see Much of life, I suppose.' Said the rose, 'Oh, this life is so filled With astonishing things That I think I could not be more thrilled E'en if roses had wings. Three lupins have bloomed by the pond Since last you were here; In the nest of the blue-wrens beyond Three nestlings appear. A gay butterfly slept by my side All yesternight thro' Till dawn, when a thrush hymned his pride. But how goes it with you?' 'There are great things at hand,' said the bee. 'Change comes to my life. In my hive in the woollybutt tree Strange rumors are rife. The old queen grows restless, I fear, She is planning to roam; And I must adventure this year From the old, safe home. 'Old Black Wallaby's limping, I see, Trap again, I suppose. Life is full of mischance,' said the bee. 'Ah, no,' sighed the rose. 'Despite all the folly and sin And the gala and the strife, It's a wonderful world we live in, It's a wonderful life.'