Poem by Claude McKay

Flower of Love

The perfume of your body dulls my sense. 
I want nor wine nor weed; your breath alone 
Suffices. In this moment rare and tense 
I worship at your breast. The flower is blown, 
The saffron petals tempt my amorous mouth, 
The yellow heart is radiant now with dew 
Soft-scented, redolent of my loved South; 
O flower of love! I give myself to you. 
Uncovered on your couch of figured green, 
Here let us linger indivisible. 
The portals of your sanctuary unseen 
Receive my offering, yielding unto me. 
Oh, with our love the night is warm and deep! 
The air is sweet, my flower, and sweet the flute 
Whose music lulls our burning brain to sleep, 
While we lie loving, passionate and mute.

1. The Wild Goat
2. Alfonso, Dressing to Wait at Table
3. The Tired Worker
4. Homing Swallows
5. La Paloma in London

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