Poems (Radford)/Outside the Hedge of Roses

by Dollie Radford

XIII

Outside the hedge of roses That walls my garden round,And many a flower encloses, Lies fresh unfurrowed ground.

I have not delved nor planted In that strange land, nor comeTo sow, in soil enchanted, Fresh promises of bloom,

My labours all have ended Within my fragrant wall,The blossoms I have tended Have grown so sweet and tall.

But now in silver showers Your laughter falls on me,And fairer than all flowers Your flower-face I see.

And, bound no more by roses, I break my barrier through,And leave all it encloses, Dear one, to follow you.