Just a gorgeous bouquet of blossoms Was saying, "Spring is here," When along came a snow and a freeze And blasted it this year. 'Twas in truth a large magnolia tree, Tall and sturdy and strong, All in bloom in our neighbor's back yard Heedless of harm or wrong. Pompous and proud with buds and flowers Of flaming rare pink hue, Yes, a Prince in our neighbor's back yard, Saying, "How do you do?" But the cruel cold of King Winter On farewell trip passed by, And he kissed every bud and blossom, Waving his last "Good-by." Next we viewed the gorgeous magnolia -- What did tearful eyes see? Just a great mass of brown, dead flowers, Not the beautiful tree. Was it envy, anger, spite, who knows? Why old Winter returned To punish Spring's welcoming angel, It just could not be learned. Thus in shame and disgrace it must stand, 'Neath sun and rain of Spring, But the birds from the South, in its boughs May take rest, while on wing. Once a Prince among those of its kind, Now a pauper poor and old, It shall again come into its own When its green leaves unfold. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HYMN TO MONT BLANC [IN THE VALE OF CHAMOUNI] by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE QUESTION by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON AT CASTERBRIDGE FAIR: 3. AFTER THE CLUB-DANCE by THOMAS HARDY THE CHILDREN'S HOUR by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE BEAUTIFUL LAND OF NOD by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX THE SNAIL by ANTOINE VINCENT ARNAULT PSALM 137 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE |