Christina Georgina Rossetti

The Lily Has A Smooth Stalk

The lily has a smooth stalk, Will never hurt your hand; But the rose upon her briar Is lady of the land. There's sweetness in an apple tree, And profit in the corn; But lady of all beauty Is a rose upon a thorn. When with moss and honey She tips her bending briar, And half unfolds her glowing heart, She sets the world on fire.