Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By WilburLarremore1232 Blossom Time
S
And earth was clad in peeping green;
In russet bark, the twigs incrusting,
Tenderest blossom-points were seen;
A robin courier proclaimed good cheer:
Summer will soon arrive, for I am here.
The languid breeze arousing shakes,
With every honeyed breath, a shower
Of feather snow in drifting flakes;
And apple trees in bloom, like ricks of white,
Are veiled with smoky, amethystine light.
Unclosing merry, puzzled eyes,
Would that a father’s thought could bring
Prophetic counsel more than wise
To guide thee as a father’s love would yearn,—
Thou hast so much to suffer and to learn!
My precepts would be dull and trite,
Barren as last year’s leaves to me
Beneath the apple blossoms white;
But in thy new horizon’s vaster range
Our hearts close knit shall feel no chilling change.