Poems (Greenwood)/An offering to anna

by Grace Greenwood

AN OFFERING TO ANNA.

I send this ring of braided hair,
 A simple gift, to thee,
One more fond pledge of perfect trust,
 And perfect peace, from me.

Thou 'It wear it for our dear love's sake,
 So fresh and pure and strong,
Far sweeter than the dreams of fame,
 Of romance, or of song.

And when snows fall, or spring-flowers wave,
 My cold, still breast above,
Dear, faithful heart, thou 'lt wear it then
 In memory of our love.

Bird of my bosom! blessed shape
 Of joy and song thou art;
Sweet soul of tenderness and truth,
 Soft nestled in my heart.

Thou say'st that heart is Poesy's harp,
 A lute which Pleasure plays,
And Love's own dimpled fingers wake
 To gay or mournful lays.

Then grieve not, should strains sad or harsh
 Rise sometimes from its strings,
When thou dost jar the silver chords
 With the fluttering of thy wings.