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CHESTNUT IN APRIL
The chestnut is a candlestick
Of arching clusters, rosy and thick,
And branches branching wide and high
Toward the smiling sky.

Closed are the sweet-lip buds that hide
A flame of mother-o'-pearl inside.
Open, open, O rosy mouth!
The wind is from the south.

O wind, from Spring's own country blow,
Till all the candles lit arow,
And all the candles lit a-ring,
Make Christmas-trees for Spring.

The little candle-cups are made
Of silver, rosy pearl, and jade.
Each cup shall hold its light aloft,
Moon-pale in wood and croft.

Not finer in the sky above
The heavenly candlestick, whereof
The candles are the stars that keep
Light while the sun 's a sleep.

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