T

WAS an Almond and a Raisin
In a dish all silver bright,
A Raisin dusky purple,
And an Almond creamy white.
Said the Raisin to the Almond,
'I was once as full of wine
As a dewdrop is of sunlight,
And a glossy skin was mine.'
Said the Almond to the Raisin,
'And I've a tale to tell—
I was born inside a flower,
And I lived within a shell.'
Said the Raisin to the Almond,
'We are both from Southern lands,
And we came once more together,
Having fallen in English hands.
'Don't you think we ought to marry?
I am sure 'twould be as well,
Though I have lost my juices
And you have lost your shell.'
Said the Almond to the Raisin,
'It is my dearest wish.'

That is why you always find them
Side by side within the dish.

F. W. H.