Elizabeth Ann (Chase) (Akers) Allen (1832–1911)

THE LOVELIEST day of lovely English June,

Bright with rare sunshine, crisp and fresh with dew;

The whole fair landscape seems created new,

And just to live is a delightful boon.

A crystal streamlet pours its tinkling tune

Gurgling and murmuring its cresses through—

The velvet greensward wears its tenderest hue,

Dotted with daisies thick as raindrops strewn,—

And on a sudden from a listening ground

There springs a living joy, a voice with wings,

Trailing behind it, as it soars and sings,

A shower of effervescent silver sound—

A fountain-fall of music clear and strong—

The bubbling bounty of the sky-lark’s song!