The Bridal of the Bluestem 



"UNDER THE OPEN SKY THE COWBOY SITS ASTRIDE HIS PONY" 



the white light of the prairie noon Bluestem beheld her face. 

 Her countenance looked all the fresher for the storm. The 

 rain had filled anew the fountains where she drank and the 

 morning dew had washed her garments dustless. She wore 

 a thorny dress, but over it was spread a kind of silvery stuff, 

 as if it had been sifted from the stars. Her tresses were of 

 mingled lavender and pink. Her breath was sweet as orchards 

 in the May-time. In search of prairie nectar, wild bees sipped 

 the bloom of Beauty. Under the open sky the cowboy sits 

 astride his pony and softly sings this flower song: 



Softly blow, ye winds of June, 

 For I found this summer noon 

 Beauty sprung from out the ground, 

 Thorny thistle blossom-crowned ; 

 Crest of lavender and white, 

 Golden finch and bees' delight; 

 Nodding like some prince's plume, 

 Gladdening prairie wastes of gloom; 

 243 



