Oh! To be a flower

Nodding in the sun,

Bending, then upspringing

As the breezes run;

Holding up

A scent-brimmed cup,

Full of summers fragrance to the summer sun.

Oh! To be a butterfly

Still, upon a flower,

Winking with its painted wings,

Happy in the hour.

Blossoms hold

Mines of gold

Deep within the farthest heart of each chaliced flower.

Oh! To be a cloud

Blowing through the blue,

Shadowing the mountains,

Rushing loudly through

Valleys deep

Where torrents keep

Always their plunging thunder and their misty arch of blue.

Oh! To be a wave

Splintering on the sand,

Drawing back, but leaving

Lingeringly the land.

Rainbow light

Flashes bright

Telling tales of coral caves half hid in yellow sand.

Soon they die, the flowers;

Insects live a day;

Clouds dissolve in showers;

Only waves at play

Last forever.

Shall endeavor

Make a sea of purpose mightier than we dream to-day?

Oh! To be a flower

Nodding in the sun,

Bending, then upspringing

As the breezes run;

Holding up

A scent-brimmed cup,

Full of summers fragrance to the summer sun.

Oh! To be a butterfly

Still, upon a flower,

Winking with its painted wings,

Happy in the hour.

Blossoms hold

Mines of gold

Deep within the farthest heart of each chaliced flower.

Oh! To be a cloud

Blowing through the blue,

Shadowing the mountains,

Rushing loudly through

Valleys deep

Where torrents keep

Always their plunging thunder and their misty arch of blue.

Oh! To be a wave

Splintering on the sand,

Drawing back, but leaving

Lingeringly the land.

Rainbow light

Flashes bright

Telling tales of coral caves half hid in yellow sand.

Soon they die, the flowers;

Insects live a day;

Clouds dissolve in showers;

Only waves at play

Last forever.

Shall endeavor

Make a sea of purpose mightier than we dream to-day?