I Did Not Know

I did not know –

And it was but a few short days ago –

How near to spring it was; the world lay still

In all the bitter cold of winter chill;

Yet even then the May-buds with the glow

Of burning lips pressed to the melting snow

Had kissed themselves a window to the sky, –

And spring was nigh.

I did not know –

Ah, was it such a little while ago! –

Within my heart how near it was to spring;

I did not guess the blessed blossoming,

Until this gladsome morn I woke, and lo!

Sweet with new fragrance does the whole world grow

From that so fair and snow-sprung flower dear, –

And spring is here!

— Abbie Farwell Brown
From New England Magazine, April 1898.

Photo by Dan Hardison
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

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