Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891.
Hepaticas on Palm-SundayEliza Allen Starr (18241901)
B
First of the beauteous tribes that soon will troop
Singly, in pairs, or in a joyous group,
O’er sunny slope or sheltered bank; or cling,
By their slight fibres, where the blue-bird’s wing
Alone can visit them with graceful swoop!
The wise man pauses on his walk, to stoop
Above your purple blossoms; for you bring
To his worn cheek a pleased and gentle smile;
Still saying softly to himself, the while:
How things most tender are the first to rise
From wintry sleep; thus taking by surprise
The sturdy oaks! Hearts, too, shy without guile,
Wing, often, boldest flight towards pathless skies!