Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/Sweet May! Come Back Again

by Clarence Hawkes

SWEET MAY! COME BACK AGAIN

Sweet May! Sweet May! come back again;
 'Tis long since thou hast smiled.
Bring back thy gentle showers of rain,
 Thy fragrant flowerets wild.

Bring back the laughter of thy rills,
 The hum of drowsy bees,
The verdant freshness of the hills,
 The bud bespangled trees.

Bring back thy songsters' liquid flood
 Of music soft and low,
Bring back the sweet arbutus bud
 That blossoms down below.

Bring back each harbinger of spring.
 Of happy summer day.
Let every voice of nature sing—
 "I would 'twas always May."

Sweet May! Sweet May! come back again;
 'Tis long since thou hast smiled.
Bring back thy sweet and silent reign
 Of beauties soft and mild.

Bring back thy converse's gentle flow;
 Those happy laughing eyes;
Upon thy cheeks that tinted glow,
 The blush of evening skies.

Bring back the sunshine of my heart,—
 That smile upon my face.
Bring back each gentle winning art,
 That made thee queen of grace.

Bring back each harbinger of bliss,
 And scatter all my fear.
Of all the seasons, love I this,
 When thou, sweet May, art here.