New York Nocturnes and Other Poems

by Charles G.D. Roberts

 

Nocturnes of the Honeysuckle

 

I

Forever shed your sweetness on the night,
Dear honeysuckle, flower of our delight!

Forever breathe the mystery of that hour
When her hand touched me, lightlier than a flower,—

And life became forever strange and sweet,
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A gift to lay with worship at her feet.

II

Oh, flower of the honeysuckle,
   Tell me how often the long night through
She turns in her dream to the open window,
   She turns in her dream to you.
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Oh, flower of the honeysuckle,
   Tell me how tenderly out of the dew
You breathe her a dream of that night of wonder
   When life was fashioned anew.

Oh, flower of the honeysuckle,
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   Tell me how long ere, the sweet night through,
She will turn not to you but to me in the darkness,
   And dream and desire come true.