James Stephens (1882–1950)

A ROSE for a young head,

A ring for a bride,

Joy for the homestead

Clean and wide—

Who ’s that waiting

In the rain outside?

A heart for an old friend,

A hand for the new:

Love can to earth lend

Heaven’s hue—

Who ’s that standing

In the silver dew?

A smile for the parting,

A tear as they go,

God’s sweethearting

Ends just so—

Who ’s that watching

Where the black winds blow?

He who is waiting

In the rain outside,

He who is standing

Where the dew drops wide,

He who is watching

In the wind must ride

(Tho’ the pale hands cling)

With the rose

And the ring

And the bride,

Must ride

With the red of the rose,

And the gold of the ring,

And the lips and the hair of the bride.