ALONE

by: Celia Thaxter (1835-1894)

HE lilies clustered fair and tall;

I stood outside the garden wall;

I saw her light robe glimmering through

The fragrant evening's dusk and dew.

 

She stopped above the lilies pale;

Up the clear east the moon did sail;

I saw her bend her lovely head

O'er her rich roses blushing red.

 

Her slender hand the flowers caressed,

Her touch the unconscious blossoms blessed;

The rose against her perfumed palm

Leaned its soft cheek in blissful calm.

 

I would have given my soul to be

That rose she touched so tenderly!

I stood alone, outside the gate,

And knew that life was desolate.

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