Forbidden Fruit

The Fruit Unpicked

On the bough the apple reddens,
in our hearts the wanting deepens:
though the fruit is dark, forbidden,
by and by our wills shall weaken.

Pluck the fruit: our teeth shall tear it,
suck its juice: our lips will share it,
let it flow but, pray, beware it,
when love's so pure, can two hearts bear it?



Harvest

The ripest plum,
the richest peach
lie just beyond
the picker's reach.

As the fairest
fruit of all,
how sweet you'll taste
when last you fall.