Since Tulips Bloomed

So short a time,
Since tulips bloomed.
And made the world,
So brightly plumed.

So short a time,
Since buds came through.
And gave the world,
The look of new.

But tulips went,
And left a place.
For other flowers,
To sway in grace.

Sharing their soil,
Was tulip-aim.
If only for them,
What price a name?

Men look to earth,
With deeds and laughter.
O what will men leave,
To those who come after?

E.P. 1908 - 1989