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) -

This poem that has been one of my quotable favorites for quite sometime. It was recalled to my mind recently after watching "The Phantom of the Opera". I'm sure you all have seen it, and many rejoice at the 'good conquering evil' resolution while others lament that the Phantom was not the victorious hero winning Christine's love. It intrigues me the comparison between lust and love, selfish-passion and selfless devotion, a red rose and a white rose...