LUCY LARCOM
America, 1826-1893
The Violet
Dear little violet, 5
Don't be afraid!
Lift your blue eyes
From the rock's mossy shade.
All the birds call for you,
Out of the sky; 10
May is here waiting,
And here, too, am I.
Why do you shiver so,
Violet, sweet?
Soft is the meadow grass, 15
Under my feet.
Wrapped in your hood of green,
Violet, why
Peep from your earth door,
So silent and shy?
FRANK DEMPSTER SHERMAN
America, 1860-
Pebbles
Out of a pellucid brook 5
Pebbles round and smooth I took:
Like a jewel every one
Caught a color from the sun,—
Ruby red and sapphire blue,
Emerald and onyx too, 10
Diamond and amethyst,—
Not a precious stone I missed:
Gems I held from every land
In the hollow of my hand.
Workman Water these had made 15
Patiently through sun and shade,
With the ripples of the rill
He had polished them until,
Smooth, symmetrical, and bright,
Each one sparkling in the light
Showered within its burning heart
All the lapidary's art;
And the brook seemed thus to sing: 5
Patience conquers everything!