University of Virginia Library


XIX

CROCUSES IN GRASS

TO CHARLES HAZELWOOD SHANNON
Purple and white the crocus flowers,
And yellow, spread upon
The sober lawn; the hours
Are not more idle in the sun.
Perhaps one droops a prettier head,
And one would say; Sweet Lueen,
Your lips are white and red,
And round you lies the grass most green.
And she, perhaps, for whom is fain
The other, will not heed;
Or, that he may complain,
Babbles, for dalliaunce, with a weed.
And he dissimulates despair,
And anger, and surprise;
The while white daisies stare
—And stir not—with their yellow eyes.