Poems (Kimball)/To the Blue Gentian
TO THE BLUE GENTIAN.
UNFOLD, O fairest Flower, and share The benediction of this air That softly floweth everywhere, And blesseth most the things most fair!
Twice welcome flowers when flowers grow few; Thrice welcome, thou, of heavenly hue—The rarest, tenderest shade of blue That Earth's dear bosom ever knew!
The golden-rod resigns his plume, And all frail beauty seeks a tomb, Bequeathing thee more ample room Wherein to set thy fairer bloom.
Unfold, thy gentle right to claim, O Flower of softest tint and name!Thy bashfulness delays like shame, Yet lovelier makes thy lovely fame.
To exile only half resigned, Her locks with violet-memories twined,Departing Summer turns to find How fair a thing she leaves behind.
And since the Summer henceward flies, Thou, darling of these lonely skies, The dearer art to human eyes, Unfolding as a sweet surprise!