Red Rose
![Page image: yellowbook_04_0_143_redrose.jpg](https://hcmc.uvic.ca/~vicpoems/page_images/yellowbook/04/yellowbook_04_0_143_redrose.jpg)
Why do your leaves uncurl invisibly ?1
Is it mere pride ? 2
When I behold your petals,3
They lie immovably against your breast ; 4
Or opened wide, 5
Your shield thrown wide.6
But none may watch the unveiling of your pride.7
Why do you die so soon, so certainly ?8
Death is disgrace ;9
You should stay dying half your life ;10
Your drooping face11
Gives you when dying your divinest face. 12
But death’s pale colours are your sole disgrace
13