Poems — To an April Daisy

TO AN APRIL DAISY

Welcome, old Comrade!

peeping once again;

Our meeting ’minds me of a pleasant hour: Spring’s pencil pinks thee in that blushy stain, And Summer glistens in thy tinty flower.

Hail, Beauty’s Gem!

disdaining time nor place;

Carelessly creeping on the dunghill’s side;

Demeanour’s softness in thy crimpled face Decks thee in beauties unattain’d by pride.

Hail, ’Venturer!

once again that fearless here Encampeth on the hoar hill’s sunny side;

Spring’s early messenger!

thou’rt doubly dear;

And winter’s frost by thee is well supplied.

Now winter’s frowns shall cease their pelting rage, But winter’s woes I need not tell to thee;

Far better luck thy visits well presage, And be it thine and mine that luck to see.

Ah, may thy smiles confirm the hopes they tell To see thee frost-bit I’d be griev’d at heart;

I meet thee happy, and I wish thee well, Till ripening summer summons us to part.

Then like old mates, or two who’ve neighbours been, We’ll part, in hopes to meet another year;

And o’er thy exit from this changing scene We’ll mix our wishes in a tokening tear.