I hold thy violets against my face

And deeply breathe the haunting purple scent

That fills my weary heart with sweet content

And lays upon my soul a chrismal grace;

The air around me for a little space

Is heavy with the fragrance they have lent,

And every passing wind that heavenward went

Has held thy blossoms in a close embrace.

—MYRTLE REED.

’Twas when the spring was coming, when the snow