Poems (Ripley)/A Lover's Litany
A LOVER'S LITANY
Come out to me my love, my queen, where moonlight softly lingers, On flower and leaf and in among the fountain's plashing waters! Come to me where I stand and wait. Beside the rose-tree at the gate, Sweet Iverness!
The clustered, snowy daisies sleep among the tall, sweet grasses; And buttercups are slumbering too, along the sloping hillsides; The stars are winking in the skies. Like many wide, sweet, wondering eyes, My Iverness!
A little flitting, wandering breeze goes dancing through the garden; And at my feet is softly hurled a shower of scented rose-leaves. Like fairies huddled at my feet. To spread a carpet for thee, sweet,— My Iverness!
Come out to me my love, my queen, where moon- light softly filters Through leafy branches to the ground, in dainty, checkered patterns; I have a message new for you, Shut in this rose all drenched in dew My Iverness!
Oh list! I hear a light footfall approaching in the distance; A white dress gleams and then is lost among the ghostly shadows,— It gleams again, my heart beats fast; I've waited long, she comes at last. My Iverness!