Poems (Tynan)/Sweet Pea

by Katharine Tynan

SWEET PEA

Like butterflies that hover
The reddest rose-tree over,
  Or rosy bee,
The rosiest rose's lover.

Or like rose-leaves caught flying
In loveliest flight undying,
  The sweet, sweet pea
Sets all the winds to sighing.

Scarlet and rose together,
She takes the brilliant weather
  Like humming-bird
That flaunts a scarlet feather.

So strong, so fine, so airy,
Poised like a tiptoe fairy,
  That careless word
Sets off, or foot unwary.

Ready for flight, yet never
Her links with earth to sever,
  So lingers she,
One foot on earth for ever.

But in gold air and azure,
Yet treads her heavenly measure;
  The winged sweet pea
Dances for her sweet pleasure.