CARNATION LILY, LILY ROSE

Lily and Rose in the garden, white dresses in the twilight,

Standing deep in blue carnations, white lilies banked around.

They play with Chinese Lanterns, candles flicker through paper.

Insects whir and crash against the lights.

Cattle low across the fields.

A window shines through the trees.

Lost in play they do not see their father with his paintbox.

The old house settles into night and quiet.

Stars and Moon appear.

The candles gutter, expire.

Calls from the house to bathtime.

The moment passes, passes long away.

But I feel and scent the evening air,

Hear the chatter, the insects, the cattle.

See the stars,

Share the magic.

Max Frost

5 March 01

The poem refers to the painting 'Carnation Lily, Lily Rose' by John Singer Sergent