The Rose

Deep into the rose glistens the transient dew!
I gaze into its damask shade,
And, mid the whorl of petals, I view
A sunlit forest glade.

In depth of rose, how I peer deep,
Beholding a vision there,
Where pearl-plumed birds warble and cheep,
And settle in date-brown hair.

Beloved, this rose Elysium is,
Its incense, lorn, Love's fragrant sigh;
Fondly I bend its heart to kiss
Where glistening memories die.