Parasite lichen
Lies grey on the years;
Lily buries herself
When winter appears.
Bright rose burns away,
Leaving lichen alone—
Fellow of frost,
Suckling of stone.
I am for lily,
I am for rose—
Delicate beauty
Trembles and goes.
Mary Eliza Fullerton
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lichen-2/
