Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/90

 "I am sure you must admire my good Banhania plant, With all the grace and beauty which she doth ever grant; She's not unlike a mother who must protect her own; Her buds she close infolds when dangers are fore-known.

"My lovely Jacaranda changes Nature's plan, As the unlike woman, or like the wilful man, The blossoms coming first, its verdant foliage last, But its loveliness in May time will hold you firm and fast.

"And see the running roses, hugging close my home; They clasp my heart so sweetly that it never more may roam. Burbank has none that's better than my purest Cherokee, With its dainty white so spotless, and his naive simplicity.

"And here is the Phevitia, and there the Bottle Brush, The Myrtle bloom so solemn, and now I can but blush— The Holy Spirit's plant, my very humblest flower, That worships the gracious Father from his lowly bower.

"Now take your fill of orange, of grape-fruit and of lime; Your choice, sir, of the kumquat, or the loquart in its prime." "Oh, my good sir," cried I, with gladdest heart and head, "'Tis Heaven's own ante-chamber, this brightest Bishop-stead."

MY TRIOLET

Because you like a triolet, And joy of youth and love and life, Ah sure, the child you'll not forget Because you like a triolet. Then soon, ah soon, your wits you'll whet, And do your best to get a wife, Because you like a triolet, And joy of youth and love and life.

Photo by the Author.