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Spring and Summer Flowers

The mingling scent of flowers is in the air,
Gathered from piny wood and rocky dell;
Of roses, callas, that the fostering care
Of man through winter's stormy months can tell.
The seasons' differing hues together meet;
The gorgeous colors of the summer's flowers
The delicate tints of early spring-time greet,
That tell of wild wood haunts, and budding bowers.

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Scarce can the mind such contrasts fair retain,
From each to each it turns with new delight;
The blushing roses now the thoughts detain,
And now the May flowers' beauties charm the sight;
Now, the glad Present bids us here to stay,
And now, the Future beckons us away.
Poem No. 525; c. 11 May 1877