Discovery

By Gwen Knighton © 2002

I know your face, little rose,
But I don't know your mind.
You know your place, little rose,
But you cannot read the signs.
Aren't you arrogant,
Putting on airs?
I watch you from the bower.
You do not sense that I am there.

"Come into my garden," sings the elf-knight to the maid
"Lilies, willows, roses, and your innocence betrayed.
Reach for that red rose, my dear, a rose but barely one,
And I will be your love, my dear, and all your life undone."

You see my stead, little rose,
But you don't see my face.
I watch your feet, little rose,
Gauge your reckless girl's pace.
Aren't you beautiful,
So sweet and pure?
You reach out one dainty hand.
I sit and see my fate secured.

"Come into my garden," sings the elf-knight to the maid
"Lilies, willows, roses, and your innocence betrayed.
Reach for that red rose, my dear, a rose but barely two,
And I will be your love, my dear, and be the end of you."

My eyes consume, little rose.
I am charmed by your smile.
You hold my blooms, little rose.
You're so easily beguiled.
Aren't you mesmerized
As you stare, unafraid?
I'll lead you to my leafy close
And you will be no more a maid.

"Come into my garden," sings the elf-knight to the maid
"Lilies, willows, roses, and your innocence betrayed.
Reach for that red rose, my dear, a rose but barely three,
And I will be your love, my dear, and you belong to me."

You are bound for ordeals you will never understand,
For I have learned some tricks while I have lived in fair Elfland.