Nobody knows this little Rose - 

It might a pilgrim be 

Did I not take it from the ways 

And lift it up to thee. 

Only a Bee will miss it - 

Only a Butterfly, 

Hastening from far journey - 

On its breast to lie - 

Only a Bird will wonder - 

Only a Breeze will sigh - 

Ah Little Rose - how easy 

For such as thee to die! 

 

Subtle and sweet poem. Emily sees the whole life-cycle of this little rose, and feels empathy towards its plight. The flower may be used as a metaphor to represent the fragility or delicacy of our lives and the mysteriousness of it. We all are lonely pilgrims in one way or another, who go through many obstacles and journeys. The rose serves a purpose to the bee and butterfly, just as humans to one another. The bee collects nectar from the rose and hums its thanks when leaving. The butterfly, which has made a long journey, finds the breast of the rose a refreshing place to rest on. The bird and the breeze imply those who do not know us. They sometimes wonder about us but they just pass on by. 

 

没人知道这枝小小的玫瑰

它或许有朝圣的心意

若我不将她从路边摘取

献上给你。

只有一只蜜蜂会想念 - 

只有一只蝴蝶蹁跹，

来自迢迢之旅 - 

停在它的花蕾上面 - 

只有一只鸟儿会惊奇 - 

只有一阵清风叹息连连 - 

啊，小小的玫瑰 - 多么轻易 

如你这般就凋谢长眠！