Poems (Jackson)/May (The voice of one who goes before to make)
For works with similar titles, see May.
HE voice of one who goes before to makeThe paths of June more beautiful, is thine,Sweet May! Without an envy of her crownAnd bridal; patient stringing emeraldsAnd sh1n1ng rubies for the brows of birchAnd maple; flinging garlands of pure whiteAnd pink, which to their bloom add prophecy;Gold cups o'er-filling on a thousand hillsAnd calling honey-bees; out of their sleepThe tiny summer harpers with bright wingsAwaking, teaching them their notes for noon;—O May, sweet-voiced one, going thus before,Forever June may pour her warm red wineOf life and passion,—sweeter days are thine!
MAY.
HE voice of one who goes before to makeThe paths of June more beautiful, is thine,Sweet May! Without an envy of her crownAnd bridal; patient stringing emeraldsAnd sh1n1ng rubies for the brows of birchAnd maple; flinging garlands of pure whiteAnd pink, which to their bloom add prophecy;Gold cups o'er-filling on a thousand hillsAnd calling honey-bees; out of their sleepThe tiny summer harpers with bright wingsAwaking, teaching them their notes for noon;—O May, sweet-voiced one, going thus before,Forever June may pour her warm red wineOf life and passion,—sweeter days are thine!