Berrying

written by


« Reload image

I.

  My love went berrying
  Where brooks were merrying
  And wild wings ferrying
  Heaven's amethyst;
  The wildflowers blessed her,
  My dearest Hester,
  The winds caressed her,
  The sunbeams kissed.


  II.

  I followed, carrying
  Her basket; varying
  Fond hopes of marrying
  With hopes denied;
  Both late and early
  She deemed me surly,
  And bowed her curly
  Fair head and sighed:


  III.

  "The skies look lowery;
  It will he showery;
  No longer flowery
  The way I find.
  No use in going.
  'T will soon be snowing
  If you keep growing
  Much more unkind."


  IV.

  Then looked up tearfully.
  And I, all fearfully,
  Replied, "My dear, fully
  Will I explain:
  I love you dearly,
  But look not cheerly
  Since all says clearly
  I love in vain."


  V.

  Then smiled she airily;
  And answered merrily
  With words that--verily
  Made me decide:
  And drawing tow'rd her,
  I there implored her--
  I who adored her--
  To be my bride.


  VI.

  O sweet simplicity
  Of young rusticity,
  Without duplicity,
  Whom love made know,
  That hearts in meter
  Make earth completer;
  And kisses, sweeter
  Than--berries grow.

© Madison Julius Cawein