Said a young and shaggy aster just before the summer’s close:
“Good gracious, Miss Petunia, just look at Grandma Rose!
She’s gone and had another flower and there she stands today
Attracting the attention of the men who come her way.”
“Why she was old when I was just a tiny little seed.
If people think her young today they must be blind, indeed,
For I remember, as a child, the Phloxes used to say
That Grandma Rose was ageing fast and soon would pass away.”
“Now see her smirking at the men and carrying on as though
She still were young and beautiful. I’d really like to know
If Grandma Rose believes that she fools anyone at all.
It makes me tired to see her act so kittenish in the fall.”
“When autumn comes the men should know that asters are supreme.
We are the chosen of the Lord to end his summer scheme,
But Grandma Rose must play the flirt until her final hour.
Just look at her this morning! She’s produced another flower!”