the rose

I gave my love a rose
as white as untouched snow
beside her sweet head
upon her pillow it lay

she turned to look
reached out her hand
then lifting it to her face
savoured its sweet scent

briefly she returned it
for it was unkissed
I touched it to my lips
filling it with my love

replaced upon her pillow
she reached for it again
and kissed the place
where my lips had been

I gave my love a rose
along with all my love
my love gave me her heart
as lovely as that rose