Summer is drawing to a close, and the flowers of Summer are disappearing in the garden. I picked a few of the last late-season blossoms to share with you … as well as a few encouraging thoughts for the season ahead.
A Handful of Flowers
by Mary Dow Brine (1816-1913)
Summer is gone, and the autumn winds
Are stripping the leaves from the trembling trees;
The garden is lonely, its treasures are blown
Far, far away on the chilling breeze;
The skies have lost their wonderful blue,
And darken and change with the changing year;
And the dead leaves lie on the roadside brown,
Since nature has grown so sad and drear.
I walked alone o’er the garden path:
My heart was troubled with gloom and doubt.
“Alas!” I thought, “for the many sweet things
That have gone with the beautiful summer out!”
Down the walk on her dancing feet
My one best treasure came merrily.
Her dear voice rang thro’ the frosty air;
“A handful of flowers! See, mother, see!
“They were all I could find that the cold had spared,
But they waited to cheer us a little while!
And I guess, mamma, that the summer meant
To say good-bye with just one last smile!”
I gathered my darling within my arms,
The blue of summer was in her eyes,
And the pure, sweet heart I knew was full
Of the beautiful sunshine of summer skies.
Ah! autumn might come with frost and gloom,
And shadows might come and go at will,
But the Lord of heaven and earth was good
To spare my heart’s garden one flower still!
The joys He had taken would live again
In his own fair garden of peace and rest;
And I said in my heart, “Come shadow or shine,
The dear Lord doeth and knoweth best.
“Tho’ over my life a cloud has passed,
And the glory of summer I may not see,
If I search my heart I am sure to find
A ‘handful of flowers’ you left for me.
“And winter will pass in its own good time,
And the verdure now dead will live again;
And peace, and trust, and faith, and love
Shall all be born from my present pain.”
So I lifted mine eyes from the leaf-strewn ground,
And looked far off at the autumn sky,
And I knew that the shadows that dimmed its blue
Would vanish and fade in the “by-and-by.”
Oh! hearts that weep, and are prone to yield
To the touch of gloom in this world of ours,
Go search yourselves, and you’ll always find
That there still remains a “handful of flowers.”
Are you one who’s sometimes “prone to yield to the touch of gloom
in this world of ours”? (I suspect we all are from time-to-time.)
in this world of ours”? (I suspect we all are from time-to-time.)
There’s something you and I … WE … can do to brighten the world’s gloom … without even leaving the comfort of your home. Check it out HERE.
May the rest of your week be blessed …
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
The poetry and pictures are both exceptional. Beautiful posts- xo Diana
Very inspirational post and there is much to reflect upon here. Your table setting is also beautiful. Linda
Beautiful photos and the poem is the perfect complement.
Lovely post with a beautiful table and poetry.
Love the poetry and the flowers. Beautiful!
Such pretty colors and the napkin rings are just so beautiful…love the pairing of the dishes, perfect with the stemware, (they should be mine) and the touch of lace down the center, very lovely…I liked the poetry too…You are a hit…Phyllis
Such pretty colors and the napkin rings are just so beautiful…love the pairing of the dishes, perfect with the stemware, (they should be mine) and the touch of lace down the center, very lovely…I liked the poetry too…You are a hit…Phyllis
Beautiful words to match a gorgeous table.
It always makes me smile to see you enjoying the Haviland plates. The lace runner is such a treasure. Beautiful touches as always! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay
such a beautiful table as always. I have signed up for emails to your posts. That way I don’t lose track. My mind wanders so much I have to keep leading it back home. Have a blessed Sunday, Ginger
I love the soft pink and lavender color palette. A pretty table indeed.
Such a sweet post! Love that lace runner and your plates are gorgeous. The flowers are lovely and will return next year!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Your table is just beautiful, Susan, but it coupled with that poem is simply magnificent. I had never read it, and it has touched me deep, deep, in my heart. You have no idea how God used you with this. I may be late getting here, but I am spot on track with HIS timing.
Oh no, summer is not over here! We will be enjoying it till the 21st of Sept. It is the best month here at the beach, the water is perfect.
Beautiful table, very romantic! Thanks for linking to Let’s Dish!