Spring!

Oh snowdrops, I think that

You came in the night,

In only your nighties

And that's why you're white.

The world was all sleeping

With never a sound,

You wanted to see it

So came through the ground.

I think that you're smiling,

But still feel too shy

To lift your sweet faces

To smile at the sky

Melinda Kennedy

"I was here first," said the snowdrop: "look!"

"Not before me!" sang the silver brook.

"Why," cried the grass, "I've been here a week!"

"So have I, dear," sighed a violet meek.

"Well," piped a bluebird, "don't leave me out!

I saw the snow that lay round about."

"Yes," chirped a snowbird, "that may be true;

But I've seen it all the bleak winter through."

"I came betimes," sang the southwind, "I!"

"After me, love!" spake the deep blue sky.

"Who is it cares?" chimed the crickets gay:

"Now you are here, let us hope you'll stay."

Whispered the sun, "Lo! the winter's past:

What does it matter who's first or last?

Sky, brooks, and flowers, and birdies that sing,

All help to make up the beautiful spring."

George Cooper