Poems (Strong)/April
For works with similar titles, see April.
APRILFor J. R. S., April 1, 1905
I waken from a happy dream, The room ablaze with morning light,Across my eyes a dancing gleam Has put the god of sleep to flight.
Beside me sounds a tinkling laugh, With dainty footsteps near my bed,And in the sunbeam's shining path An elfin form appears instead.
A tall white cap with willow bands Surmounts his saucy face of brown,He opens wide his little hands, And flings a cloud of thistle-down.
His tiny form is clothed in green, With crocus belt about his waist,And mossy sandals now are seen To trip around my room in haste.
He peers and pries, no fear he shows, When suddenly his eyes meet mine;He puts his thumb upon his nose; "For shame, oh, what a naughty sign!"
Of ill-bred stares he takes his fill, Then squints one eye with look of scorn,And, perching on the window-sill, He cuts a caper and is gone.
And yet his presence bids me sing, For although not brought up by rule,He is the promise of the Spring, For he's the merry April Fool.
FAUNSIDE: JUNE 12, 1904