Classic Poem

How I love the little spaces —
Never failing founts of health —
Nature's beautiful oases!
In the desert sands of wealth!

Here the plashing fountains springing
Shine like jewel-burdened sheaves;
To their cadence birds are singing
Madrigals among the leaves.

Pansies in their lowly places,
Spreading perfume through the grass,
With their sweet, unwrinkled faces,
Seem to chide us as we pass.

Ah, poor children of the city,
Who have never Nature known,
What a pity, what a pity,
This is all of her you own.

Yet this glimpse unto you given,
Source of courage yet may be,
Like the dreams we dream of Heaven,
Knowing not what it shall be.