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The White Rose

The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
O, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rosebud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.
Credit: 

This poem is in the public domain.

Author: 

John Boyle O'Reilly

John Boyle O’Reilly was born near Drogheda, Ireland, on June 24, 1844.

  • Read more about John Boyle O'Reilly
Date Published: 
1886

Source URL: https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/white-rose