A Song of Three Sisters

(Minnie, Edith, and Alice) 

White rose and red, red rose and white, 
Grew in my garden plain to sight, 
And by them, tall and pale to see 
There grew a plant of honesty. 

But few so wise there were to see 
Eves shining from the honesty, 
Kind eyes, filled full of hope and care, 
Midmost the shadow of brown hair. 

And few or none might see a star, 
(Less bright than those that toss afar 
Their golden cressets) softly part 
The leaves that fold the red rose-heart. 

And few or none might see — as I 
When slept red rose and honesty — 
Gray wings from out the green leaves grow 
And rock the white rose to and fro.