THE SAD YEARS
TO BID HER LIVE
Bring to her spring flowers,
Cowslip and celandine,
And bid her hear the blackbird's song.
Let pass the sunny hours
In her dull room to shine,
Lay cherry blossom her thin arm along.
Bring all the sweets of June,
Pale viola and rue,
Garlands of fragrant roses, pink and white.
The young birds' broken tune,
The larkspur gold and blue,
Let in the gentle harping of the night.
When russet autumn comes,
Lad's-love and lavender
Fling on her bed. Go, shake red apples down,
Sun-kissed and purple plums,
The sweet and luscious pear,
Bring her on leaves of crimson, green, and brown.
[37]
