Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THESE THREE DAYS by NAOMI REYNOLDS

First Line: SHALL I WHO WORE BURNT ORANGE LIE IN WHITE
Last Line: LET ALL THE PETALS FALL UPON MY HAND.

Shall I who wore burnt orange lie in white
Where peonies and calla lilies bloom,
I who danced madly thro this silent room
Wearing your violets -- that April night?
Shall I who loved each golden ray of light
Behold at dawning only twilight gloom?
(I fancy I shall sing within my tomb,
When I have laid these trappings out of sight.)
But these three days -- how can I endure the stare
Of those who honor none, me least of all?
Unless, dear love, you bring our favorite chair
And carry in the daisies from the hall;
"He loves me -- loves me not -- " you understand.
Let all the petals fall upon my hand.



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