Henry Alford

April, 1844.

There was a child, bright as the summer prime, Fair as a flower. Not long his speaking eyes Had uttered meaning: nature's love not long Had stolen into his heart. One sweet May morn His young life dawned: so that the Summer heats Unconscious passed he through; the Autumn fruits Just gladdened him with bloom; the sparkling frost Awoke his greeting smile: but when the Spring Broke out upon the earth, lighting with stars Of floral radiance all the level green, Then was his joy a living laughing thing; He held the coloured buds; their beauty fed His eager longing; up to those he loved He held them in the fulness of his joy, And laughter, eloquent of inward bliss. Dear child,--for thou wert ours,--this and the like, A few sweet visions of thine infant smiles, A few bright hours of purity and calm, Are all of thee that we remember now: For in the sunshine of that rising Spring, When lavish bloom was poured on all around, Thy cheek alone grew pale: day after day Thou fadest from our sight: yet even thus, Long as thine eyes could gaze, thy fingers clasp, Brought we our tribute due of gleaming buds, Glad, if we might one moment wake anew Thy dormant thought, and light thine eyes with joy.