Elberta 



Last summer when we parted, sweet 



Elberta! 

 You looked quite fair enough to eat, 



Elberta! 

 Yet this for absence may atone. 

 Since last we met you've fairer grown ; 

 Yes, though you have a heart of stone, 



Elberta, you're a peach! 



Your cheeks reflect the sunset glow, 



Elberta! 

 Your rounded outlines please me so, 



Elberta! 

 Your breath is sweet as summer dew; 

 Your life blood richly flowing through 

 Imparts a matchless charm to you. 



Elberta, you're a peach! 



You've caused me many an aching pain 



Elberta! 

 I swore you never would again, 



Elberta ! 

 Your ripening beauty tempts like wine; 

 Yet though your charms were all divine 

 Touch not your downy cheek to mine; 



Elberta, you're a peach! 



I would not mar your bloom so fresh, 



Elberta ! 

 Nor bruise the fairness of your flesh, 



Elberta ! 

 I promised my right worthy mate 

 That I would be most temperate. 

 And gaze on you with thought sedate; 



Elberta, you're a peach! 



I would devour you with my eyes, 



Elberta ! 

 But gazing never satisfies, 



Elberta ! 

 Soon in your flesh so rosy bright 

 I'll set my teeth most sharp and white. 

 For when you're peeled you're out of sight; 



Elberta, you're a peach! 



—Mabel Swartz Withofl, in American Florist 



