Alabama, 19 15. 79 



THERE WAS A CHERRY-TREE 



THERE was a cherry-tree. Its bloomy snows 

 Cool even now the fevered sight that knows 

 No more its airy visions of pure joy — 

 As when you were a boy. 



There was a cherry-tree. The Blue- jay set 

 His blue against its white — O blue as jet 



He seemd there then ! — But now — Whoever knew 

 He was so pale a blue ! 



There was a cherry-tree — Our child-eyes saw 

 The miracle : — Its pure white snows did thaw 



Into a crimson fruitage, far too sweet 

 But for a boy to eat. 



There was a cherry tree, give thanks and joy! — 



There was a bloom of snow — There was a boy- 

 There was a Blue- jay of the realest blue — 

 And fruit for both of you. 



— James Whit comb Riley. 



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