The Rose Garden (hymn to Dionysus)

Do you know him, my Beloved
Who calls the world to his embrace?
O midnight garden ripe with roses
Tell me, do you know his face?

I asked the red rose, and she said
"His blood is wine and ocean song!
He comes back living from the dead--
To him these Mysteries belong!"

I asked the white rose, and she said
"He calls the dolphins, and the vine!
A crown of ivy wreathes his head
And 'round him dancing mystics twine!"

O tell me, roses, of my Lover!
For I have wandered to this place
Chasing him who's like no other
And yet, I do not know his face.

I asked the golden rose--she said
"There is no bond he can't undo
And like a bridegroom newly wed
He shines on all who love him true!"

I asked the black rose, and she said
"Come close and dream the midnight sky!
And if you make a fragrant bed
Perhaps you'll find him, where you lie."

But look! there's someone in the garden
O Stranger tell me if you know
The one who's vine-twined bonds have broken
For where he goes, there I will go!

I asked the Stranger, and he smiled
"He is the mystery of Joy.
He comes with dancing, warm and wild
And lords and armies he'll destroy!
And here's a mystery unfurled
Within the wisdom of the rose:
You'll find his face in all the world
And in the heart that in you glows!"

Then I knew him, my Beloved
And all the world was his embrace!
And in this midnight rich with roses
I watched the world become his face.