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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ENIGMA by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON

First Line: WE GO TO CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Last Line: BUT THIS IS -- THIS IS MOLLY.
Subject(s): CHRISTMAS; NATIVITY, THE;

We go to church on Christmas Day,
Mary and I, sedately,
My sweetheart softly gowned in gray
With quiet step and stately;
She will not smile at what I say --
Her lashes veil her cheek --
What saint devout e'er knelt to pray
With face more calm and meek?
I would not dare to touch her hand,
Of very smiles I'm chary;
Some things no man may understand,
But this is -- this is Mary.

We go to Martin's Christmas night,
Molly and I, for dinner;
Whose smile so quick, whose eyes so bright
As those of my sweet sinner?
We chat, we laugh, we toast, we quite
Lose sight of the hereafter,
I -- and my darling heart's delight
Aglow with fun and laughter.
Beneath the cloth I press her hand,
My chum, so sweet and jolly;
Some things no man may understand,
But this is -- this is Molly.



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