To Blossoms: A Poem
Improvement Era, vol. 2, no. 7, May 1899, p. 526
Herrick
526 IMPROVEMENT ERA.
physical, intellectual, social, moral, or spiritual; but religious in the narrow, sectarian view of the idea — this, as I conceive it,
Heaven is not. On the contrary. Heaven to me means, not a narrowing, but an expanding of the interests and activities of mankind —a sort of earth-life infinitely extended in every positive direction; not a rest from truth-getting, but a rest from sinenslaving. Heaven is harmony with the universe, not on the side of spirituality alone, but on every side that the universe can touch man.
TO BLOSSOMS.
Fair pledges of a fruitful tree, Why do you fall so fast? Your date is not so past; But you may stay here yet awhile, To blush and gently smile; And go at last.
What were ye born to be. An hour or half's delight. And so to bid good night? 'Twas pity nature brought ye forth Merely to show your worth And lose you quite.
But you are lovely leaves, where we May read how soon things have Their end, though ne'er so brave; And after they have spoken their pride Like you awhile, they guide Into the grave. Herrick.