Classic Poem

Mocking the water with their wings
The blue kingfishers scream,
Where willows bend, like silver flames,
Along the curving stream.
I cannot be as calm as you,
Seeing the sky so deeply blue.

On arching sprays of goldenrod
The nervous warblers sing,
Drunk with the lavish sunlight
The yellow daisies fling.
How can you keep from dancing, now
Gold butterflies have taught you how?

To-day the world is blue and gold,
A chain of rich surprise,
You glimpse the hidden glory
Of the pain that underlies.
I see but colors gaily strung,
Forgive me that I am so young.