Ina Donna Coolbrith

In the Pouts

CHEEKS of an ominous crimson,
Eye-brows arched to a frown,
Pretty red lips a-quiver
With holding their sweetness down;
Glance that is never lifted
From the hands that, in cruel play.
Are tearing the white-rose petals,
And tossing their hearts away.
Only to think that a whisper,
An idle, meaningless jest,
Should stir such a world of passion
In a dear, little, loving breast!
Yet ever for such light trifles
Will lover and lass fall out,
And the humblest lad-grow haughty,
And the gentlest maiden pout.
Of course, I must sue for pardon;
For what I can hardly say !—
But, deaf to opposing reason,
A woman will have her way.
And when, in despite her frowning,
The scorn, the grief, and the rue,
She looks so bewitchingly pretty,
Why, what can a fellow do?