One Little Rose

I would rather have
one little rose
from the garden of
a friend
than to have the
choicest flowers
when my say on
earth must end

I would rather have
one pleasant word
in kindness said to me
than flattery when
my heart is still
and my life has
ceased to be

I would rather have
a loving smile
from friends I
know are true
than tears shed
round my casket
when this world
I've bid adieu

Bring me all your
flowers today
whether pink, or
white, or red
I'd rather have
one blossom now
than a basketful
when I'm dead

author unknown