Advent to Candlemas (Vol. 1)

Roses

1. A rose of virgin white is torn
By Winter wind of vicious bite;
And in the night a child is born
Bringing new light.

2. A wild rose blossoms in the spring,
Smiling alike in rain and sun
Upon a child whose reign as king
Is now begun.

  O rose of deepest red which almost died
  Upon the hill of Calvary,
  Fading as He was crowned and crucified
  Into a death-like ivory.

3. A rose of flame bursts into bloom,
The Spirit's radiance fills her face,
The brightest in the upper room,
Hail! Mary, full of Grace.