The Collected Poems of Dora Sigerson Shorter/Little White Rose

by Dora Sigerson Shorter

LITTLE WHITE ROSE

Little white rose that I loved, I loved,
Roisin ban, Roisin ban!
Fair my bud as the morning's dawn.
I kissed my beautiful flower to bloom.
My heart grew glad for its rich perfume—
Little white rose that I loved!

Little white rose that I loved grew red,
Roisin rua, Roisin rua!
Passionate tears I wept for you.
Love is more sweet than the world's fame—
I dream you back in my heart the same,
Little white rose that I loved!

Little white rose that I loved grew black.
Roisin duv, Roisin duv!
So I knew not the heart of you.
Lost in the world's alluring fire,
I cry in the night for my heart's desire,
Little white rose that I loved!