The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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| IX. | IX. THE SHADOW AT THE DOOR
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
292
IX. THE SHADOW AT THE DOOR
What adds a beauty to the rose?
The thought that, when the night-wind blows,
The petals white or petals pink
At his cold touch may fail and shrink.
This gives its beauty to the flower—
That it but blooms and lives one hour.
The sun gives charm. What gives it more?
The Shadow waiting at the door.
The thought that, when the night-wind blows,
The petals white or petals pink
At his cold touch may fail and shrink.
This gives its beauty to the flower—
That it but blooms and lives one hour.
The sun gives charm. What gives it more?
The Shadow waiting at the door.
The sweetest hour may swiftly pass:
Brown are these blades, that once were grass.
Blue eyes, gold hair, they are but shows;
Death takes them, as it takes the rose.
Love draws such eager passionate breath
Because he's followed fast by death.
What makes us value Love's kiss more?
The deathlike Shadow at the door.
Brown are these blades, that once were grass.
Blue eyes, gold hair, they are but shows;
Death takes them, as it takes the rose.
Love draws such eager passionate breath
Because he's followed fast by death.
What makes us value Love's kiss more?
The deathlike Shadow at the door.
293
O love, our bower of love is sweet;
The white rug nestles round your feet.
Your brown eyes watch the bright fire's glow;
I watch your eyes. I love them so!
The pictures watch us from the wall:
I'm king, and you the queen of all.
Does aught else watch? Aye, one thing more:
That ghostlike Shadow at the door!
The white rug nestles round your feet.
Your brown eyes watch the bright fire's glow;
I watch your eyes. I love them so!
The pictures watch us from the wall:
I'm king, and you the queen of all.
Does aught else watch? Aye, one thing more:
That ghostlike Shadow at the door!
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |