University of Virginia Library


202

II.

Man, over-coarse and gross of heart and head,
Can only lust, or love with slight thin flame.
He knows not that all blossoms' fragrance came,
Yea, every scent of rose of white or red
Or tender breath of lily's gold-crowned head,
Straight from the bloom of God's own Bride. Oh, shame
On creeds that mock at woman's love, and claim
Life, when they grope amid their countless dead.
This is the message that has yet to come
Flinging new light across the sea and land,
The fragrant gospel hidden in woman's bloom;
The blossom-perfumed message of her hand
Sent forth by God to open every tomb
For him who hath the soul to understand.
July 30, 1901.