Page:A New Zealand verse (1906).pdf/199
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Rosebuds.
163
C.
Rosebuds.
High on the lattice-work clustered the roses; And lower, half-blown,One little bud in the morning was drooping, Fragrant, alone;And my little sweetheart saw it, and claimed it All as her own.
I lifted her up; she would taste of its sweetness From the tree as it hung:She drew it towards her, her lips were all hidden The petals among;But the blossom was wet, and the dews were down shaken From where they had clung.
Then she loosened her hold of the pinky-pearl blossom And stood by my side,And her cheeks,—they were wet from the dews that were shaken, As though she had cried;And she pouted, complaining the rose kissed unkindly As half-satisfied.
Then I told her I knew of a bud that was sweeter Than rosebuds to me;And the dews only made it more lovely and rosy And tempting to see;Then I kissed her dear lips,—and she waywardly left me Alone by the tree.