THIS poem must be done to-day; Then, I'll e'en to it. I must not dream my time away, -- I'm sure to rue it. The day is rather bright, I know The Muse will pardon My half-defection, if I go Into the garden. It must be better working there, -- I'm sure it 's sweeter: And something in the balmy air May clear my metre. [In the Garden.] Ah this is noble, what a sky! What breezes blowing! The very clouds, I know not why, Call one to rowing. The stream will be a paradise To-day, I'll warrant. I know the tide that 's on the rise Will seem a torrent; I know just how the leafy boughs Are all a-quiver; I know how many skiffs and scows Are on the river. I think I'll just go out awhile Before I write it; When Nature shows us such a smile, We should n't slight it. For Nature always makes desire By giving pleasure; And so 't will help me put more fire Into my measure. [On the River.] The river 's fine, I'm glad I came, That poem 's teasing; But health is better far than fame, Though cheques are pleasing. I don't know what I did it for, -- This air 's a poppy. I'm sorry for my editor, -- He 'll get no copy! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MOTHERHOOD by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY ANDROMEDA by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS OUR COUNTRY by JULIA WARD HOWE TO A CONTEMPORARY BUNKSHOOTER by CARL SANDBURG PROUD MAISIE, FR. THE HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN by WALTER SCOTT IF WE KNEW; OR, BLESSINGS OF TO-DAY by MAY LOUISE RILEY SMITH |