DEAREST, we are like two flowers Blooming in the garden, A purple aster flower and a red one Standing alone in a withered desolation.

The garden plants are shattered and seeded, One brittle leaf scrapes against another, Fiddling echoes of a rush of petals.

Now only you and I nodding together.

Many were with us; they have all faded.

Only we are purple and crimson, Only we in the dew-clear mornings, Smarten into color as the sun rises.

When I scarcely see you in the flat moonlight, And later when my cold roots tighten, I am anxious for morning, I cannot rest in fear of what may happen.

You or I-and I am a coward.

Surely frost should take the crimson.

Purple is a finer color,Very splendid in isolation.

So we nod above the broken Stems of flowers almost rotted.

Many mornings there cannot be now For us both. Ah, Dear, I love you!