Classic Poem

When the winter departs,
Oh, how pleasant a thing
'Tis to greet the first flower
That appears in the spring!

Still a vision of light,
Lo! it comes but to cheer
Winter's last lingering step
With a smile that is dear.

And with joy, from the cup
Of the silvery dew,
It imbibes nectared sweets,
Ever pure, fresh, and new, —

Timely food sent to earth
From a fount in the sky
In response to the prayer
Of a calm, dreamy eye.

Thus the flower looks aloft
To the stars of the night
With a faith that is pure,
And a brow crowned with light.

Though its life be a dream,
And its days but a few,
Yet, like saint, it has hope,
With a love breathed for you.

O ye proud of the earth!
From the flower meekly learn
How to live, how to die,
And be blessed in return.