Poems (Geisse)/The Laurel

by Mary A. Geisse

THE LAUREL.

In thy glossy leaves, O laurel!
 What rich memories abide,
Though thou art of lesser stature,
 Thou canst match the oak in pride.

And thou hast a nobler mission
 Than that monarch of the wood,
For thou art the crown and symbol
 Of the glorious and the good.

By Apollo thou wert chosen
 As an emblem of high praise,
For the famous and heroic
 In the old Hellenic days.

And he gave thee "youth eternal"
 As a token of regard,
Hence thou art a fit oblation
 For the hero and the bard.

For though earthly fame shall perish,
 Genius is forever born,
And great deeds are still inspired
 By the conquerors who have gone.