The Gentle Gardener

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I'd like to leave but daffodills
  to mark my little way,
To leave but tulips red and white
  behind me as I stray;
I'd like to pass away from earth
  and feel I'd left behind
But roses and forget-me-nots
  for all who come to find.

I'd like to sow the barren spots
  with all the flowers of earth,
To leave a path where those who come
  should find but gentle mirth;
And when at last I'm called upon
  to join the heavenly throng
I'd like to feel along my way
  I'd left no sign of wrong.

And yet the cares are many
  and the hours of toil are few;
There is not time enough on earth
  for all I'd like to do;
But, having lived and having toiled,
  I'd like the world to find
Some little touch of beauty
  that my soul had left behind.

© Edgar Albert Guest