The jessamine shows like a star; The lilies sway like sceptres slim; Fair clematis from near and far Sets forth its wayward tangled whim; Curved meadowsweet blooms rich and dim; -- But yet a rose is fairer far. The jessamine is odorous; so Maid lilies are, and clematis; And where tall meadowsweet flowers grow A rare and subtle perfume is; -- What can there be more choice than these? -- A rose when it doth bud and blow. Let others choose sweet jessamine, Or weave their lily crown aright, And let who love it pluck and twine Loose clematis; or draw delight From meadowsweet's clustry downy white; -- The rose, the perfect rose be mine. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR OUR BETTER GRACES by JAMES GALVIN YOU KNOW WHAT PEOPLE SAY by JAMES GALVIN THE LEAVES OF THE TREE HIDE THE SUN by DAVID IGNATOW SENRYU: BLIND DATE by TIMOTHY LIU THE CHANT OF THE VULTURES by EDWIN MARKHAM DOMESDAY BOOK: WIDOW FORTELKA by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ELIZABETH CHILDERS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |