Page:Poems Ripley.djvu/33

When with dimpled hands I pulled them,
 Tenderly, lest I should bruise
Thoughtlessly, a tender flower-gem;
 And among them sit and muse.

Dainty harbingers of springtime,
 As I stoop to pull thy bells,
Soundless music sends a soft chime
 All along the nearby dells:

Music to which fairies listen
 When we think that all is still.—
While within the air does glisten,—
 Dew-like—now and then, a chill—

Though the sun smiles out so quickly—
 Then there comes a dash of rain,
Falling on the blossoms thickly—
 Then a bright sunbeam again.

Woods in April! yet I linger!
 What a charm thou hast to hold!
Thou dost call with beckoning finger
 And I pause in thy stronghold:

Where are violets full golden:
 Dog-tooth violets, and coy—
Which have decked these woods full olden
 At each smiling April's joy.

I behold them now with gladness:
 Dear, old friends beneath that tree!
They bring not a touch of sadness
 As they nod their gold at me.—

And violets in robes like snowflakes
 Greet me as I stroll about.
And upon the April breeze shakes
 Fairy perfume softly out.—

29