Only Violets

By Phyllis Beebe


I only wanted violets.
Not masses of red roses
Tied with ribbons,
Bound with lies.

I only wanted violets.
Just two or three,
Or scribbled-in-the-sand
Promises of love.

I only wanted violets.
Some small thought,
A warm hand in the rain,
A smile, or some triffling
Imperfection I could love.

But now I know
How costly are the triffles
How dear, and almost
Unattainable.

Just violets, my love.
Remember that next year.