38 Language Through Nature 



Lesson 14 



TALKING IN THEIR SLEEP 



YOU think I am dead," 

 The apple-tree said, 

 " Because I have never a leaf to show- 



Because I stoop, 



And my branches droop, 

 And the dull gray mosses over me grow ! 

 But I'm all alive in trunk and shoot; 



The buds of next May 



I fold away- 

 But I pity the withered grass at my root." 



"You think I am dead," 



The quick grass said, 

 "Because-! have parted with stem and blade! 



But under the ground 



I am safe and sound 



With the snow's thick blanket over me laid. 

 I'm all alive and ready to shoot, 



Should the spring of the year 



Come dancing here- 

 But I pity the flower without branch or root." 



