Columbine 



How one exclaims on finding a columbine 

 bending over a stream or dancing in the 

 woods! They may often be seen hanging 

 like jewels over a cliff, their curved petals, 

 yellow above; their beautiful leaves making 

 a pidiure one does not forget. The name, 

 columbine, is taken from columba, "a dove," 

 which refers to the resemblance of its ned:a- 

 ries to a circle of doves around a dish — 

 much used by ancient painters and sculp- 

 tors. The columbine is the state flower of 

 Colorado. 



Skirting the rocks at the forest edge 

 With a running flame from ledge to ledge, 

 Or swaying deeper in shadowy glooms, 

 A smoldering fire in her dusky blooms; 

 Bronzed and molded by wind and sun. 

 Maddening, gladdening every one 

 With a gypsy beauty full and fine — 

 A health to the crimson columbine! 



Elaine Goodale 



[16] 



