Snow in April.
O foolish bud, to blow1
At first faint smile of Spring,2
Perfuming all the air !3
O foolish bird, to sing,4
And build a nest that all may spy ;5
Your young of cold and want will die6
Beneath the branches bare.7
How sad and silent now8
The tuneful April grove !9
Its colour, melody and love10
All lost beneath the snow
;11
The fair and flowery April grove,12
With all its birds in pair.13
O foolish heart, beware !14
Nor, unforeseeing,15
(Lured by a yearned-for bliss—16
A smile, a kiss),17
Barter sweet hopes of youth and youth’s well-being,18
To build and blossom in a leafless bower,19
With April bird and flower,20
Lest Love take wing amid the falling snows—21
Oh, wait for summer shade and perfumed rose !22