If Only

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

If only girls were more like flowers, their hands

Like petals gesturing in breeze-blown loves

Of innocence that burn like harmless brands,

Or dressed in spring-like, pastel satin gloves;

If only girls were more like summer blooms,

Like roses velvet in their silk caress

In warmth of bridal petals for their grooms,

To torture us with love we cannot guess;

If only girls were more like autumn leaves

To finger through October-colored hair

As if the fullest, hungry harvest sheaves

Of lovers sanctified the coolest air;

Then winter altar flower arrangements, red

And snowflake white, would point to peace ahead.