That lets the leaves whisper and kiss so much,

To the great swinging, tossing, flying wide,

And all the time so stiff and strong inside!

And the big winds, that pull, and make them feel

How long their roots are, and the earth how leal!

And O the blossoms! And the wild seeds lost!

And jewelled martyrdom of fiery frost!

And fruit trees. I’d forgotten. No cold gem,

But to be apples—and bow down with them!

MONOTONY.
FROM CALIFORNIA.