Poetry Revisited: Holly and Mistletoe by Edith M. Thomas

Holly and Mistletoe

(from Children of Christmas: 1907)

Said the Holly to the Mistletoe:
     “Of this holy-tide what canst know,—
                    Thou a pagan—thou
                    Of the leafless bough?
My leaves are green, my scarlet berries shine
                    At thought of things divine!”

To the Holly spake the Mistletoe:
     “Matters not, my leafless boughs but show
                    Berries pale as pearl—
                    Ask yon boy and girl!
If human mirth and love be not some sign
                    Of share in things divine!”

Edith Matilda Thomas

(1854-1925)