THERE is a creature, dear to Heaven, Tiny and weak, to whom is given To enjoy the world while suns are bright, And shut grim winter from its sight -- Tamest of hearts that beat on wilds, Tamer and tenderer than a child's -- The Dormouse -- this he loved and taught (Docile it is the day it's caught, And fond of music, voice or string) To stand before and hear her sing, Or lie within her palm half-closed, Until another's interposed, And claim'd the alcove wherein it lay, Or held it with divided sway. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LITTLE ELF-MAN by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS ON A TREE FALLEN ACROSS THE ROAD (TO HEAR US TALK) by ROBERT FROST RELIEVING GUARD by FRANCIS BRET HARTE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER by ELLA (RHOADS) HIGGINSON SACRIFICE by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL |