A 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.

                  - J B O'Reilly (1844-1890) -