Symbols Christina Rossetti

I watched a rosebud very long
        Brought on by dew and sun and shower,
        Waiting to see the perfect flower:
Then, when I thought it should be strong,
        It opened at the matin hour
And fell at even-song.

I watched a nest from day to day,
        A green nest full of pleasant shade,
        Wherein three speckled eggs were laid:
But when they should have hatched in May,
        The two old birds had grown afraid
Or tired, and flew away.

Then in my wrath I broke the bough
        That I had tended so with care,
        Hoping its scent should fill the air;
I crushed the eggs, not heeding how
        Their ancient promise had been fair:
I would have vengeance now.

But the dead branch spoke from the sod,
        And the eggs answered me again:
        Because we failed dost thou complain?
Is thy wrath just? And what if God,
        Who waiteth for thy fruits in vain,
Should also take the rod?