THE SIGNS OF THE SEASONS.
WHAT does it mean when the bluebird flies
Over the hills, singing sweet and clear
When violets peep through the blades of grass?—
These are the signs that the spring is here.
What does it mean when the berries are ripe?
When butterflies flit and honeybees hum?
When cattle stand under the shady trees?—
These are the signs that summer has come.
What does it mean when the crickets chirp,
And away to the south land the wild-geese steer?
When apples are falling and nuts are brown?—
These are the signs that autumn is here.
What does it mean when the days are short?
When the leaves are gone and the brooks are dumb
When the fields are white with the drifting snows?—
These are the signs that winter has come.
The old stars set, and the new ones rise,
And skies that were stormy grow bright and clear;
And so the beautiful, wonderful signs
Go round and round with the changing year.
—Our Little Ones