Poems (Van Rensselaer)/Take Heed
TAKE HEED
Who shall the smitten bird revive for himThat ravished its clear trillings from the bough?Who shall the shadowy elm repair when nowA wanton stroke has lopped its friendliest limb,Or gather rose-cheeked apples where was cutThe rosy flowering from the vernal sprays?Canst thou roll back the earth to burgeoning days,Open the blossoming hour that time holds shut?
Oh, love with arms outstretched to love-fraught Spring,Hold all her gifts with a most tender hand!September comes, when thou shalt need to stand'Neath sheltering branches, bid the late bird sing,And garner fruits that in December willMake the warm sunshine seem thy climate still.