I would rather have a rose
from a garden of a friend
than to have the choicest
flowers when my stay on
earth must end.

I would rather have one
single word of kindness
said to me
than flattery around my
grave when life has ceased
to be.

So bring to me one flower,
be it pink or white or red.
For I would rather have
one bloom today than
a truck load when I am dead!