Wild Roses
Ronald Campbell Macfie
Wild roses hidden in the hedge
Surrender to the lips of June;
White lilies cloistered in the sedge
Permit the kisses of the moon.
And oh, my heart desires your love,
As never June desires a rose,
And never the pale moon above
Such longing for a lily knows.
And yet your love I vainly seek,
Unto my love no love replies,
No blush gives answer in your cheek,
No passion lightens in your eyes.
Ardent as June I watch and wait,
Pale as the moon I pace your sky;
O Lady be compassionate,
And kiss and love me, or I die.
Love Me
Ronald Campbell Macfie
How long did the sun's round passionate mouth
Kiss that rose's lips, I wonder?
How long did the amorous wind from the south
Try to press her petals asunder?
How long did the honey-bee flit to and fro
Ere she threw her red vest apart,
And showed a glory of gold and snow
Hoarded beside her heart?
Longer far have I yearned for your love,
And flown round your folded blossom.
Will pity or passion never move
The proud disdain of thy bosom?
Love me! I loved thee long ago:
Love me! the land is sunny
Love me! look, how the roses blow
And the bees are gathering honey!
