Page:Southern Life in Southern Literature.djvu/305

Rh Already, here and there, on frailest stems Appear some azure gems, Small as might deck, upon a gala day, The forehead of a fay. In gardens you may note amid the dearth The crocus breaking earth; And near the snowdrop s tender white and green, The violet in its screen. But many gleams and shadows need must pass Along the budding grass, And weeks go by, before the enamored South Shall kiss the rose s mouth. Still there s a sense of blossoms yet unborn In the sweet airs of morn; One almost looks to see the very street Grow purple at his feet. At times a fragrant breeze comes floating by, And brings, you know not why, A feeling as when eager crowds await Before a palace gate Some wondrous pageant; and you scarce would start, If from a beech s heart, A blue-eyed Dryad, stepping forth, should say,

"Behold me! I am May!" Ah! who would couple thoughts of war and crime With such a blessed time! Who in the west wind s aromatic breath Could hear the call of Death!