(Which, climbing in a rose-bush, had escaped the first frost.) COME, little fairy, with your outstretched wings Uplifted, and your cloudless eyes a-dream, Why are you here where late the bluebird sings, And all your sisters drunk of Lethe's stream? Dost fear to die? 'Tis but a mental pain— And each must sleep if each would wake again Ah, child of rainbow and the setting sun, Flirting all summer where the poppies grow, Death came before your little task was done? (He has that way, as we poor mortals know!)— Then why seek shelter 'neath the rose's breast? For each must sleep if each have perfect rest. Afraid to go clad in that gaudy gown? Poor little dancing spirit of wild joy! God made thee such; nor will He ever frown On any work of His, tho' sad th' alloy. Go as thou art, if honest be thy aim— For God made honor everywhere the same. Nor fear to go! On some far twinkling star There is a home for butterflies like thee— As sterner worlds for sterner spirits are, So fairer worlds for sweeter beings be. Good-by! Some day I'll catch thy faint perfume, And know it bloweth from immortal bloom. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CONTRA MORTEM: THE CHILD by HAYDEN CARRUTH HIGH PLAINS RAG by JAMES GALVIN THE SEMANTICS OF FLOWERS ON MEMORIAL DAY by BOB HICOK BONDAGE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON GOSSAMER by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |