Julia L. Moseby, "A Soul to a Flower" (1903)
O, flower fair,
With beauty rare,
To be like thee
It is my prayer.
II.
To be so pure,
My lot endure,
Of Heaven, then,
I would be sure.
III.
To have thy peace,
All trials cease;
And from my sins
To find release.
IV.
To live like thee
So happy, free
From sinful life
And vanity.
V.
To smile above,
Receive the love
Of Jesus Christ
The heavenly dove.
VI.
But ah, my flower,
Within thy bow'r,
To be like thee,
I have no pow'r.
Published in Colored American Magazine, October 1903