University of Virginia Library


64

THY KISS

I carry, sweet, thy kiss upon my lips,
When the glad night is over and the morn
In laughing chariot o'er flushed hills is borne;
When the fierce sun love's moonbeams doth eclipse.
Though we are, then, from one another torn
In sorrow, yet throughout the yearning day
Thy face is with me, like a silvery ray
Of lingering moonlight, cheering me forlorn.
If thou dost carry through the heavenly streets
My song like a red rose within thine hair,
Oh, like a white rose thy sweet kiss is fair,
Flower-soft, flower-pure upon me, nor retreats:
Within my memory all the wondrous night
Abides, and floodeth me with fresh delight.