Poem by Gerald Massey

Craigcrook Roses

CRAIGCROOK roses! ruby, golden,
  Glowing gorgeous; faint with passion;
To the sweet flower-soul unfolden:
  Wreathe me in the old Greek fashion.
Queen of sweetness, crowned with splendor,
  Every rich round bud uncloses;
Yet so meek and womanly tender
  Are you royal Craigcrook Roses,
  Warm and winy Craigcrook Roses.

Leaning with some unknown yearning,
  You would make a lover sin, you
Pretty wooers, archly turning
  As you climb to make us win you.
Ripe perfection of fair fulness
  In your gracious bloom reposes;
And an emerald bower for coolness
  Summer builds my Craigcrook Roses,
  Amorous-dreaming Craigcrook Roses.

When the year is old and hoary,
  And the day is dark with dolors,
Still you come, my guests of glory,
  In voluptuous dance of colors.
And, though Earth like Age is toiling
  In the snowdrifts, perfumed posies
Kiss me, crown my spirit smiling
  Down a dream of Craigcrook Roses,
  Dear, delicious Craigcrook Roses.

Fairest ’mong Light’s daughters seven,
  With your dainty dreamy graces,
You might light with loving leaven
  Smiles of spring in wintriest faces.
At the solemn shut of daylight
  When the fair life-vision closes,
May my spirit float away light
  On a cloud of Craigcrook Roses,
  Cooled and crowned with Craigcrook Roses!

1. The Chivalry of Labour
2. The People's Advent
3. Eden
4. A Chaunt
5. Husband and Wife

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