The garden of desire

by Edna Worthley Underwood

VI

Upon my eyes like rain your kisses fall,

Soft rain that maketh to be sweet the Spring,

The time of fairest love’s first flowering,

When mating birds so softly call and call.

Like rain upon my eyes your kisses fall,

Bright rain the royal Summer’s crown to bring,

Soft rain upon shy trees that croon and swing,

Sweet bridal veil of mist that hideth all.

Kiss me not thus! No, no, not thus kiss me.

The storm’s kiss first!—when black the day suns grow

And winds nor height, depth, hell nor heaven know—

Yes, yes, the storm’s kiss first! Thus—thus—kiss me!

Unchain the whirlwinds of your wild desire

And blind me, blind me, with the lightning’s fire!