I tend my flowers for thee

I tend my flowers for thee --

Bright Absentee!

My Fuchsia's Coral Seams

Rip -- while the Sower -- dreams --

Geraniums -- tint -- and spot --

Low Daisies -- dot --

My Cactus -- splits her Beard

To show her throat --

Carnations -- tip their spice --

And Bees -- pick up --

A Hyacinth -- I hid --

Puts out a Ruffled Head --

And odors fall

From flasks -- so small --

You marvel how they held --

Globe Roses -- break their satin glake --

Upon my Garden floor --

Yet -- thou -- not there --

I had as lief they bore

No Crimson -- more --

Thy flower -- be gay --

Her Lord -- away!

It ill becometh me --

I'll dwell in Calyx -- Gray --

How modestly -- alway --

Thy Daisy --

Draped for thee!