A Breath of the Woods
Lilian Leveridge

Once, in life’s Moon of Blossoms,
I was a woodland child,
Shy as a fawn of the forest,
Wild as the winds are wild;

Seeking the haunts of the thrushes,
Answering back their song,
Learning the call of the bluebird
Wafted the glades along;

Listening the cataract’s cadence,
Chanted in monotone,
Lilting the tune of the brooklet
Tinkling from stone to stone.

Dreaming in vales of shadow,
Dancing on hills of light,
Drinking from wells of wonder
Nectars of new delight;
Learning the language of flowers,
Making their secrets mine—
Violet, daffodil, daisy,
Orchid and eglantine.

Under the ancient pine trees
Chanting their runic rhymes,
Sweetly the rare arbutus
Rang me its fairy chimes.

Dearest of the Springtime blossoms—
Now, as its petals I kiss,
Flow to my thirsting spirit
Draughts of the old-time bliss.

Music of bird and blossom,
Lisping of baby leaves,
Beauty of gold-lace patterns
Sunlight, the artist, weaves;

Coolness of mossy grotto,
Odor of fragrant pine,
Kiss of the wind, my lover—
All once again are mine!

Blow to me, breath of the woodland!
Breathe on me, Spirit of Spring!
Bring me your joys unstinted,
Give me your songs to sing!

Give me, O Moon of Blossoms,
Still in your life a part!
Grant me to keep your sweetness
Hidden within my heart!



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