TO A VIOLET 
Thou little elf of Flowerdom, 
Peeping from thy leafy bed, 
Gently kissed by morning dew, 
Lift thy dainty little head. 
And tell me what far distant dell 
First sheltered thee and all thy kind. 
Did fairy wings flit over thee 
In shimmering dance with hands 
entwined? 
Did fairy queen bestow on you 
To hold in secret bliss, 
Her cloak of royal purple hue 
“And the perfume of her kiss? 
Canst hope to hide from mortal eyes 
‘hy purple velvet sheen, 
Nor smother ‘neath thy verdant leaves 
The perfume of a queen? 
Cast off thy shyness, dainty one, 
In thy child-like innocence 
Thy mantle in our garden spread, 
And fill the air with sweet incense. 
Teach us to know thy Maker's love, 
Who guides each passing shower, 
Brings forth the warmth of Spring to 
give 
Thee strength, each fleeting hour. 
Spread Love and Joy into a world 
Gone mad with Lust and Greed, 
Give Comfort to some weary soul, 
And heal some heart in need. 
Cai aalVis 
