Ballads of Peace in War

A VOW-DAY FLOWER

    (POVERTY, CHASTITY, OBEDIENCE)

    Three little leaves like shamrock,
    And the trefoil's love-lit eyes,
    Whether it takes the sunshine
    Or the shadows from the skies.

    And richer than rose or lily
    Is the flower he wears today,
    With triune bloom and fragrance
    From earth to heaven alway.

    Poverty is the low leaf,
    And one is chastely white,
    And the red love of obedience
    Goes up to God a light.

    Grow, good flower, and keep him
    Who wears your bloom today,
    Shadow and sunshine bless him,
    And the trefoil's heavenward way.