Poems (Greenwood)/The wife's appeal

by Grace Greenwood

THE WIFE'S APPEAL.

I'm thinking, Charles, 't is just a year,
 Or will be, very soon,
Since first you told me of your love,
 One glorious day in June.

All nature seemed to share our bliss,—
 The skies hung warm above,
The winds from opening roses bore
 The very breath of love!

We sought the still, deep forest shades,
 Within whose leafy gloom
Few ardent sunbeams stole to kiss
 The young buds into bloom;

The birds caught up our tones of love,
 In songs not half so sweet,
And earth's green carpet, violet-flowered,
 It scarcely felt our feet!

Ah, apropos of carpets, Charles,
 I looked at some to-day,
Which you will purchase,—won't you, dear,
 Before our next soiree?

And then remember you how lost
 In love's delicious dream,
We long stood silently beside
 A gently gliding stream?

'T was Nature's mirror,—when your gaze
 No longer I could bear,
I modestly cast down my eyes,
 Yet but to meet it there!

And apropos of mirrors, love,
 The dear gift of your mother
Is quite old-fashioned,—and to-day
 I ordered home another.

Ah, well do I remember, Charles,
 When first your arm stole round me,—
You little dreamed how long your soul
 In golden chains had bound me!

And apropos of chains, my own,
 At Allen's shop last week
I saw the sweetest love, so rich,
 So tasteful and unique!

The workmanship is most superb,
 The gold most fine and pure,—
I quite long, Charles, to see that chain
 Suspend your miniature!

I 've heard sad news while you were out,—
 My nerves are much affected,—
You know the navy officer
 I once for you rejected;

Driven to despair by your success,
 Made desperate by my scorn,
He went to sea,—and has been lost
 In passing round Cape Horn!

Ah, apropos of capes, my love,
 I saw one in Broadway,
Of lace as fine as though 't were wove
 Of moonlight, by a fay!

You 'll purchase the exquisite thing?
 'T will suit your taste completely;
Above the heart that loves you, Charles,
 'T will rise and fall so sweetly!