Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Lizette WoodworthReese

1249 Daffodils

FATHERED by March, the daffodils are here.

First, all the air grew keen with yesterday,

And once a thrush from out some hollow gray

On a field’s edge, where whitening stalks made cheer,

Fluted the last unto the budding year;

Now that the wind lets loose from orchard spray

Plum bloom and peach bloom down the dripping way,

Their punctual gold through the wet blades they rear.

Oh, fleet and sweet! A light to all that pass

Below, in the cramped yard, close to the street,

Long-stemmed ones flame behind the palings bare,

The whole of April in a tuft of grass.

Scarce here, soon will it be—oh, sweet and fleet!—

Gone like a snatch of song upon the stair.