Poems (Dorr)/Choosing

by Julia Caroline Dorr

CHOOSING

Meadow-sweet or lily fair— Which shall it be?Clematis or brier-rose, Blooming for me?Spicy pink, or violetWith the dews of morning wet,Sweet peas or mignonette— Which shall it be?

Flowers in the garden-beds, Flowers everywhere;Blue-bells and yellow-bells Swinging in the air;Purple pansies, golden pied;Pink-white daisies, starry-eyed;Gay nasturtiums, deeply dyed, Climbing everywhere!

Oh, the roses darkly red— See, how they burn!Glows with all the summer heat Each crimson urn.Bridal roses pure as snow,Yellow roses all a-blow,Sweet blush-roses drooping low, Wheresoe'er I turn!

Life is so full, so sweet— How can I choose?If I gather this rose, that I must lose!All are not for me to wear;I can only have my share;Thorns are hiding here and there; How can I choose?