Today I opened wide my eyes
And started with wonder and surprise,
To see beneath November skies
An apple blossom peer,
Upon a branch as bleak as night
It gleamed exultant on my sight,
A fairy beacon burning bright
Of hope and cheer.
Alas! Said I,`poor foolish thing,
Have you mistaken this for Spring?
Behold, the thrush has taken wing ,
And winter 's near '.
Serene it seemed to lift its head:
' The winter's wrath I do dread,
Because I am , it proudly said ,
A pioneer.
Some apple blossom must be first,
With beauty 's urgency to burst
Into a world for joy athirst ,
And so I dare;
And mock them with my April glee,
And fearless fare.
And I shall hear what none shall hear -
The hardy robin piping clear ,
The storm king gallop dark and drear
Across the sky ;
And I shall kisses of the snow ,
The Christmas candles ' silver glow,
Before I die .
Then from your Frost-gemmed window pane
One morning you will look in vain,
My smile of delicate disdain
No more to see ;
But though I pass before my time ,
And perish in the grale and grale and grime ,
Maybe you 'll have a little rhyme
To spare for me '.