Poems (Kimball)/To the Blue Gentian

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

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!