Poems (Coolidge)/Arbutus

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For works with similar titles, see Arbutus.
4474160Poems — ArbutusHelen Elizabeth Coolidge

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.