To M. L. B.
I watched the crocus, purple, white, and yellow,
Outbursting in the spring;
The snowy air grew soft, and sweet, and mellow,
And birds began to sing.
But soon the crocus faded, and I sorrowed;
When lo! the tulips came,
Of brilliant red, and from the sun they borrowed
Their glowing hearts of flame.
And they, too, passed, but daisies white, and clover,
Clustered on hill and moor;
And clematis and roses clambered over
The homes of rich and poor.
"Alas!" I said, "this earth we love and cherish
Will fade away in space."
Take courage, heart! we change, but do not perish,
For heaven will take its place.
