A Ring Posy

Jess and Jill are pretty girls, Plump and well to do, In a cloud of windy curls: Yet I know who Loves me more than curls or pearls.

I’m not pretty, not a bit-- Thin and sallow-pale; When I trudge along the street I don’t need a veil: Yet I have one fancy hit. 10

Jess and Jill can trill and sing With a flute-like voice, Dance as light as bird on wing, Laugh for careless joys: Yet it’s I who wear the ring.

Jess and Jill will mate some day, Surely, surely: Ripen on to June through May, While the sun shines make their hay, Slacken steps demurely: 20 Yet even there I lead the way.