University of Virginia Library


xxiv

AUGUST

Red blossoms to the rosy earth I bring:
The sharp-thorned briar for me is all aflush.
I set red holly-hocks a-blossoming
Rosier than ever hawthorn flowered in spring,
And every bush of mine's a burning bush.
'Mid sworded leaves the gladioli push
Scarlet and crimson; damask roses fling
Red leaves upon my pathway. Musicking
Before my pageant goes the enamoured thrush;
There is no pause of beauty, of song no hush.
Red admirals fly about me, light of wing,
And love-lies-bleeding for my garland grows
With spicy southernwood and gipsy-rose.