Elusion

Nora Hopper Chesson

1871 to 1906

Poem Image

What would you do if I should give you roses 
Who gave you only lilies yesterday? 
If I should leave my idle pretty play 
Among my shaded sheltered lily-closes, 
And give you roses? 

If in an hour I changed from girl to woman 
And gave you back your kisses, each for each — 
And chose, instead of music, passionate speech? 
Nay, but I will not, seeing Love's but human, 
Unveil the woman. 

I'll keep my mystery and keep my lover; 
You who have hung with praise and dream my name,
Being mere man, would find your praise half blame. 
If in my soul full measure, running over, 
You saw ray love for you — not flowers but flame.