Another Spring

1862

If I might see another SpringI'd not plant summer flowers and wait:I'd have my crocuses at once,My leafless pink mezereons,My chill-veined snowdrops, choicer yetMy white or azure violet,Leaf-nested primrose; anythingTo blow at once not late.

If I might see another SpringI'd listen to the daylight birdsThat build their nests and pair and sing,Nor wait for mateless nightingale;I'd listen to the lusty herds,The ewes with lambs as white as snow,I'd find out music in the hailAnd all the winds that blow.

If I might see another Spring—Oh stinging comment on my pastThat all my past results in "if"—If I might see another SpringI'd laugh to-day, to-day is brief;I would not wait for anything:I'd use to-day that cannot last,Be glad to-day and sing.

From Goblin Market and Other Poems (1862), via the English Wikisource transcription.

Public domainThis poem is in the public domain. You may read it, copy it, recite it and publish it without asking anyone.