"The Flower that Smiles Today"

 Percy Bysshe Shelley "The flower that smiles to-day"

The flower that smiles to-day
      To-morrow 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 we, though soon they fall, Survive their joy and all
    Which ours we call.

Whilst skies are blue and bright,
      Whilst flowers are gay,
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.