SUMMER MEETING. 91 



Then, alas! poor morning-glory, 

 So goes the mournful story 



That the birds declare, 

 Seeing that her ardent lover 

 Was still away above her. 



Languished in despair. 



Each corolla closed in sadness, 

 Away went all the gladness 



Of its charming hue ; 

 But the love was never dying, 

 And the flower ever hieing, 



Revived by morning dew. 



Down upon the flower-maiden, 

 With mighty fervor laden. 



Came the royal kiss ; 

 While the timid, gentle being, 

 So great a suitor seeing, 



Trembled in her bliss. 



Fiercely wooed the sun, excited 

 At seeing love requited 



In the novice breast ; 

 But be robbed the modest flower 

 Ever after from that hour 



Of her spirit's rest. 



All aglow with passion burning, 

 The quickened life was yearning 



For the far-off one. 

 And the leaflets, bolder-hearted. 

 Each helpful tendril started 



Up to reach the sun. 



Gayly climbs, herself deceiving, 

 In innocence believing. 



Love spans all distance great. 

 Till in vain, despairing, weary. 

 The blossom once so cheery, 



Yielding unto fate, 



Fades at midday in her sorrow. 

 But waiting for the morrow 



Once again to try. 

 Once again to use the power 

 Of each purple and pink flower, 



To win the sun on high. 



Laura C. Reed. 



