O’CASEY, Seán

She carries a Bunch of Red Roses For Me

A sober black shawl hides her body entirely

Touched by the sun and the salt spray of the sea

But down in the darkness a slim hand so lovely

Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me

Her petticoat simple and her feet are but bare

And all that she has is but neat and scanty

But stars in the deep of her eyes are exclaiming

I carry a rich bunch of red roses for thee

No arrogant gem sits enthroned on her forehead

Or swings from a white ear for all men to see

But jewelled desire in a bosom so pearly

Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me