The flower that smiles today
Tomorrow dies;
All that we wish to stay
Tempts and then flies;
What is this world's delight?
Lightning, that mocks the night,
Brief even as bright.-

Virtue, how frail it is!-
Friendship, how rare!-
Love, how it sells poor bliss
For proud despair!
But these though soon they fall,
Survive their joy, and all
Which ours we call.-

Whilst skies are blue and bright,
Whilst flowers are gray,
Whilst eyes that change ere night
Make glad the day;
Whilst yet the calm hours creep,
Dream thou- and from thy sleep
Then wake to weep.

The Flower That Smiles Today
-- Shelley