Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WISHING, by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WISHING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ring-ting! I wish I were a primrose
Last Line: Than any other thing!
Alternate Author Name(s): Pollex, D.; Walker, Patricius
Subject(s): Mothers; Wishes


RING-TING! I wish I were a Primrose,
A bright yellow Primrose blowing in the spring!
The stooping boughs above me,
The wandering bee to love me,
The fern and moss to creep across,
And the Elm-tree for our king!

Nay--stay! I wish I were an Elm-tree,
A great lofty Elm-tree, with green leaves gay!
The winds would set them dancing,
The sun and moonshine glance in,
The birds would house among the boughs,
And sweetly sing!

Oh--no! I wish I were a Robin.
A Robin or a little Wren, everywhere to go;
Through forest, field or garden,
And ask no leave or pardon,
Till winter comes with icy thumbs
To ruffle up our wing!

Well--tell! Where should I fly to,
Where go to sleep in the dark wood or dell?
Before a day was over,
Home comes the rover,
For mother's kiss,--sweeter this
Than any other thing!





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