A Winter Rose

I first saw thee from afar, across the garden that summer's day

And thought your beauty the fairest in existence

Despite the throngs of maddening circles that stayed

To surround and lure you in disarming persistence.

You were the loveliest of all the flowers that bloomed,

Sweet as the songs the birds did sing high in the trees,

And within my breast, each day and night therein loomed

The purest love and thoughts of thee deep within me.

I adore thee as no other I have ever known or loved,

My heart beckons you with an immeasurable appeal:

Be mine forever and let me call you 'my beloved'

So that you might see this depth of love for you is real.

Thou art the loveliest of all the flowers, a single rose in winter.

Draw nigh to hear me tell thee thus with love filed words so tender.