Katharine Tynan

Colours

Blues and greens are my delight
Set in garlands of the white.

When God made the violet
He made nothing better yet.

Lilac and the lavender
Fit for queens of Heaven to wear.

Many russets and the rose,
God be praised for these and those!

For the silvers and the greys
Likewise ye shall give Him praise.

Scarlet is a King's colour
That the King of Kings once wore.

Yet when everything is said,
Bring me neither rose nor red.

Give me blue and green below,
Apple bloom and cherry snow.

Blue forget-me-nots beneath
Pear and plum-bloom in a wreath.

Or wild hyacinths in a glade --
Nothing better God has made.

Blues and greens and a white bough
Turn the earth to Heaven now.