White Chrysanthemums

WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUMS
4101

Born of the clouds and darkness,
Of the frost and early snow:
When the summer blooms have faded,
The beautiful Christ flowers blow
All through the budding springtime,
All through the summer’s heat,
All through the autumn’s glory,
They hide their blossoms sweet,
But when the earth is lonely,
And the bitter north winds blow,
With a smile of cheer for the dead old year,
The Christmas blossoms blow

Sweet as a dream of summer
White as the drifting snow:
When our hearts are filled with griev- ing
The beautiful Christ flowers blow
Not all the south wind’s wooing
Opens their secret heart;
Slender they grow and stately,
Guarding their life apart
But when the earth is dreary
And the heavy clouds hang low,
With their tender cheer for the way worh year,
The Christmas blossoms blow

Sweetest of all consolers!
Fairest of flowers that grow!
When hopes and flowers have faded,
The beautiful Christ flowers blow
Bright in the cottage window,
Sweet in the darkened room,
Fair in the shortened sunlight,
Cheering the dusky gloom
O, when our hearts are lonely
And clouds of care hang low
With blessed cheer for the dying year
The Christmas blossoms blow