Idle Words

Julia Caroline Dorr (1825–1913)

Poems

I

Once I said,Seeing two soft, starry eyesDarkly bright as midnight skies,—Eyes prophetic of the powerSure to be thy woman's dower,When the years should crown thee queenOf the realm as yet unseen,—"Some time, sweet, those eyes shall makeLovers mad for their sweet sake!"

II.

Once I said,Seeing tresses, golden-brown,In a bright shower falling downOver neck and bosom whiteAs an angel's clad in light—Odorous tresses drooping lowO'er a forehead pure as snow,—"Some time, sweet, in thy soft hairLove shall set a shining snare!"

III.

Once I said,Seeing lips whose crimson hueMocked the roses wet with dew,—Warm, sweet lips, whose breath was balm,—Pure, proud lips, serenely calm,—Tender lips, whose smiling graceLit with splendor all the face,—"Sweet, for kiss of thine some dayMen will barter souls away!"

IV.

Idly said!God hath taken care of allJoy or pain that might befall!Lover's lip shall never thrillAt thy kisses, soft and still;Lover's heart shall never breakIn sore anguish for thy sake;Lover's soul for thee shall knowNor love's rapture, nor its woe;—All is said!