University of Virginia Library


149

SILK O' THE WEED

Where, under boughs of willow-gray,
By banks the blades began to pierce,
And leaflets pricked up pearly ears
To hear the things birds had to say:
I saw her standing, reticent
As Love that fears to be denied,
Shy, wildflower-faced and wildflower-eyed,
Spring, 'mid the pods the wind had rent:
Spring, in her robe of cloud and sun,
Wafting, with lips of redbud blush,
Into the air's attentive hush,
Assurance of the love begun:
White kisses for the trees and grass,
They streamed in promise everywhere,
And with them, bright with blowing hair,
A silken breath, I saw her pass.