Poems (Coolidge)/Arbutus

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

For works with similar titles, see Arbutus.

ARBUTUS

The dull brown leaves I swept aside,  Where erstwhile hidden lay The sweetest blossoms of the Spring,  A foretaste, they, of May.

How oft we cast the careless glance,  And crush beneath our feet The beauty gentleness might find  In lives both fair and sweet.

This is my little sermon! List!  The text I whisper low: "Judge not," for 'neath dull-tinted leaves  May purest blossoms blow;

The hidden loveliness of those  Who somber garb must wear, To tender touch will e'er unfold,  And fragrance fill the air.