[THE HUMMING-BIRD.]
Thought-sudden presence
Out of blank air—
Humming of wings!
Here—a whisk and a flash!
Sipping red balm there—
And the silence sings.
Thy will works its end
In freedom complete,—
Deed flashing in sheen;
Forward or backward
As easeful, as fleet,
As a spirit unseen.
Plumed gem all athrob,
Thy ruby throat burns
As from the hot kiss
Of a heaven-smit soul
As it panteth and yearns,
In its rapture of bliss!
Thing of beauty, of life,
Bright wink of a day
When we'll be what we are—
Freed of this garment's hem!
O soul, get thy wings,
Find the red balm for aye,
(Life of earth and of star!)
Flash with love, a live gem!
[THE HEPATICA.]
Hail, first of the spring,
Pearly sky-tinted thing
Touched with pencil of Him
Who rollest the year!
Lo, thy aureole rim
No painter may limn—
Vision thou hast, and no fear!