Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


JONQUILS by EFFIE WALLER SMITH

First Line: AS I LOOK AT YOU, BEAUTIFUL JONQUILS
Last Line: AND MY BROTHER NOW 'BIDING THERE.
Subject(s): BROTHERS AND SISTERS; HOMECOMING; JONQUILS; SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR (1898);

As I look at you, beautiful jonquils,
What pleasant memories come
To me, of an early spring day,
Of my brother and of home.

Yes, 'twas an early spring day;
The sun shone bright and clear,
The birds were singing, singing -
Were singing everywhere.

Rejoicing seemed all Nature.
'Neath heaven's azure dome,
And my darling soldier brother
From the war was coming home.

I knew that he was coming,
Was coming on that day;
Was not coming on a furlough,
But was coming home to stay.

For the war with Spain was over,
Avenged had been the Maine,
Cuba had gained her freedom,
Peace was restored again.

I had gathered beautiful jonquils;
Had gathered them just for him,
My brother, - and carefully placed them
In the parlor so neat and trim.

And when he came how he praised them,
Just as I knew he would do,
Because 'twas I who had brought them,
And 'cause they in our garden grew.

I love you, beautiful jonquils,
Not only because you are fair,
But you make me think of my mountain home,
And my brother now 'biding there.



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