A Bunch of Roses By Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." ~ Isaiah 40:8 ~ oses ruddy and roses white, What are the joys that my heart discloses? Sitting alone in the fading light Memories come to me here to-night With the wonderful scent of the big red roses. Memories come as the daylight fades Down on the hearth where the firelight dozes; Flicker and flutter the lights and shades, And I see the face of a queen of maids Whose memory comes with the scent of roses. Visions arise of a scene of mirth, And a ball-room belle that superbly poses -- A queenly woman of queenly worth, And I am the happiest man on earth With a single flower from a bunch of roses. Only her memory lives to-night -- God in His wisdom her young life closes; Over her grave may the turf be light, Cover her coffin with roses white -- She was always fond of the big white roses. Such are the visions that fade away -- Man proposes and God disposes; Look in the glass and I see to-day Only an old man, worn and grey, Bending his head to a bunch of roses.