Before the Church Bells Chime

You said you don't want flowers—they'll die here in your home.

There lives a husk and shadow where the beauty used to glow. 

How sad it feels, as endings near, they're not with us anymore

but beauty in impermanence is a beauty to adore.

 

For it's true, that we too, are here but for a time;

the fruit that swells, grows and dwells, may die upon the vine.

Ain't it sweet — ain't that neat — that before the church bells chime

if you want to taste the sugar, you must catch it in its prime.

I'll buy you pretty flowers because I like the way they bloom

I'll pick all the lovely colors, put one out in every room.

They may just last a week or so then they'll wilt and so it goes

let's take a second, see the beauty. Stop and smell the rose.