University of Virginia Library


38

HOLY INNOCENTS

Gold on gold, snow on snow,
Height on height, row on row;
Greater in number these
Than the sands of the seas.
Yea, past all counting far,
Flower on flower, star on star,
Dimpled shoulder, cheek of peach,
As they lean each to each.
Golden heads, brows of pearl,
O many a boy and girl,
O many a girl and boy,
Mother's grief, mother's joy.
But amid snow and gold,
Gathered warm from the cold,
Fairer than gold, more fine,
Should be two that are mine.