TO THE GOLDEN ROD 



THOU hast the glow of the summer sun 



In thy beautiful smiling face, 

 Yet when we ask "Has autumn come?" 



Thou noddest with gentle grace. 



How came the sunlight to touch thy brow 

 And leave there its garland of gold? 







Come tell me the secret I'm listening now 

 To all thou mayest unfold. 



Oh golden rod, that gladdens all eyes, 

 Like thee ought our lives to be bright, 



And maybe an angel will come from the skies 

 To touch us with heavenly light. 



139 



