Poems (Tynan)/Green Bushes

by Katharine Tynan

GREEN BUSHES

The green bushes when first I loved you,
When we met and my heart approved you,
Tossed the gold and the scarlet high,
Gold and scarlet went drifting by.
  Ochone, the wind and the weather!
  Days when you and I were together;
  Much we heeded the leaf on the tree:
  'Twas heart's spring-time to you and me.

The green bushes when we were married
White rose and the red rose carried,
When you drew me your threshold o'er,
Rose and white for our wedding floor.
  Ochone, the days that are over!
  I beloved, and you my lover,
  Little we cared what the world might say,
  You and I on our wedding day.

The green bushes grow thin and shiver,
You and I we are lovers ever;
Cheek to cheek and heart to heart,
Still true lovers whom none can part.
  Ochone, winter goes sighing,
  Love in a world of care and dying;
  Ah, forget that I made you sad,
  Yet remember I made you glad.

The green bushes grow gray and vernal,
Spring comes back and Love is eternal;
In your arms come kiss, forgive me:
Had you ever the heart to grieve me,
      Ochone?