The Morning-Glory

Was it worth while to paint so fair Thy every leaf - to vein with faultless art Each petal, taking the boon light and air Of summer so to heart? To bring thy beauty unto perfect flower, Then, like a passing fragrance or a smile, Vanish away, beyond recovery's power - Was it, frail bloom, worth while? Thy silence answers: 'Life was mine! And I, who pass without regret or grief, Have cared the more to make my moment fine, Because it was so brief. 'In its first radiance I have seen The sun! - why tarry then till comes the night? I go my way, content that I have been Part of the morning light!'