The Vesper Garden

I.

They enter the vesper garden.

II.

Garden with deep roses full of light,
Though the sun has melted in evening air,
And dark purple commands the sight;
The roses are flowers not found, so rare
That they grow only on the edge of night.
This is the time of softest words and care,
When the lovers like shy deer may take flight,
Or breathe secrets, whisper love in hair;
Garden with deep roses full of light.

III.

Garden with midnight scenting the air,
The flowers deep and rich, like snow
Crowding the paths and, hanging there,
Showing clearly where a walker might go,
By virtue of petals scattered without care.
This is the time when lovers think they know
All the mysteries of the human heart; to tear
Apart the love is their last thought; they glow;
Garden with midnight scenting the air.

IV.

Garden with flowers of brightness aglow,
Heliotrope and hollyhock, all the vivid light
Banished when first together they began to flow,
And needed the darkenss, needed night,
Just as some flowers need the night to grow.
The paths are revealed; but which choice is right?
To step between the flowers as white as snow,
Or break the branches in their panicked flight-
Garden with flowers of brightness aglow.

V.

They leave the vesper garden.