A White Rose

John Boyle O'Reilly

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The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
Oh, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rose bud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

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Comments1
  • ashtonnellis2

    This piece is such a lovely exploration of the symbolism behind roses. I especially like how it contrasts the passions of love using the imagery of the white and red rose. It's quite poignant how it extends to suggest the purity of love but with a hint of longing. I must say, it's deeply evocative and beautifully crafts a tale of love in the simplest form. Such a treat to read this on a Sunday afternoon.