Skip to content
1873–1941

A WORN ROSE

Lola Ridge

Where to-day would a dainty buyer Imbibe your scented juice, Pale ruin with a heart of fire; Drain your succulence with her lips,

Grown sapless from much use... Make minister of her desire A chalice cup where no bee sips — Where no wasp wanders in?

Close to her white flesh housed an hour, One held you... her spent form Drew on yours for its wasted dower — What favour could she do you more?

Yet, of all who drink therein, None know it is the warm Odorous heart of a ravished flower Tingles so in her mouth's red core...

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
A WORN ROSE · Lola Ridge · Poetry Cove