Page:Southern Life in Southern Literature.djvu/236

The calmias and goldenrods, And tender blossoms of the haw, Like maidens seated in the wood, Demure, I saw. The recent drops upon their leaves Shone brighter than the bluest eyes, And filled the little sheltered dell Their fragrant sighs. Their pliant arms they interlaced, As pleasant canopies they were: Their blossoms swung against my cheek Like braids of hair. And when I put their boughs aside And stooped to pass, from overhead The little agitated things A shower shed Of tears. Then thoughtfully I spoke; Well represent ye maidenhood, Sweet flowers. Life is to the young A shady wood. And therein some like goldenrods, For grosser purposes designed, A gay existence lead, but leave No germ behind. And others like the calmias, On cliff-sides inaccessible, Bloom paramount, the vale with sweets Yet never fill.