ONE SMALL ROSE

By Harvey Tobkes
My dad passed away many years ago; he was only 54 when he died. Dad was a gregarious extrovert, who loved being with friends. He had a favorite poem, which he memorized and passed on to me, and now I present it to you:

I would rather have one small rose

From the garden of a friend,

Than to have the choicest flowers

When my stay on earth must end.

I would rather have one pleasant word

In kindness said to me,

Than flattery when my heart is still

And life has ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile

From friends I know are true,

Than tears shed round my casket

When I bid this world adieu.

So bring me all your flowers today,

Whether pink or white or red;

I’d rather have one blossom now

Than a trunk load when Im dead.

Author: Unknown