Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RHODODENDRON, by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RHODODENDRON, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Love clasps his arms around the awakening bride
Last Line: Leapt furious, and the woman smiled, reveal'd.
Subject(s): Rhododendron


LOVE clasps his arms around the awakening bride,
Till from the sullen foliage of her heart
Passion and thought and hope impulsive start:
So April, down this rolling garden-side,

Wakes blossom on the rhododendron's crest, --
Volcanic crimson from a burning world,
Fire, buried and lost, in maiden foliage furled,
Now blazoned to the waters and the West.

For, all the smouldering embers of her soul
Lay hidden in glossy darkness with no sign,
Till Love, onrushing like a storm unseal'd,

Scatter'd the bud-sheaths, and the glowing coal,
In flames like petals, with a scent of wine,
Leapt furious, and the Woman smiled, reveal'd.





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