Bark eyes within whose light as by some spell
Girlhood and maidenhood rise up to claim,
By turns, a spot within their depths to dwell.
They strive, and girlhood half retires in shame;
Then maidenhood comes forth with modest pace,
Laden with Iris dreams, whose tender might
Tones all their glances into softer light,
And flings a sweeter shadow on the face
But for a moment—girlhood comes again
With short, sweet laugh; and brow, and lips, and eyes
Beam through a softly-winning smile, and then
You start at such transition in surprise.
Thus, by sweet turns, the two still strive away,
Till rounded maidenhood shall win the day.