Classic Poem

WRITTEN FOR A LITTLE GIRL TO SPEAK ON MAY-DAY, IN THE CHARACTER OF THE VIOLET.


BY JAMES F. CLARKE.


When April's warmth unlocks the clod,
Softened by gentle showers,
The violet pierces through the sod,
And blossoms, first of flowers;
So may I give my heart to God,
In childhood's carly hours.

Some plants, in gardens only found,
Are raised with pains and care;
God scatters violets all around,
They blossom everywhere;
Thus may my love to all abound,
And all my fragrance share.

Some scentless flowers stand straight and high,
With pride and haughtiness;
But violets perfume land and sky,
Although they promise less.
Let me, with like humility,
Do more than I profess.

Sweet flower, be thou a type to me,
Of blameless joy and mirth,
Of widely scattered sympathy,
Embracing all God's earth —
Of early blooming piety,
And unpretending worth.