Poem of the Month

Bigg, J. Stanyan (John Stanyan), 1828-1865

Bigg, J. Stanyan (John Stanyan), 1828-1865 : BIRTH-DAY STANZAS. [from Shifting Scenes and Other Poems (1862)]

TO ------ ON HIS ATTAINING HIS TWENTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY.

1          Over all the greening valleys
2                Breathes the dewy balm of spring,
3             Over all the shadowy woodlands
4                Burst the notes of welcoming;
5             And a brighter light is streaming
6                Over all the world to-day,
7             For it is the gleesome spring-tide,
8                'Tis the merry month of May!

9             With a gladder note the skylark
10              Flutters up to meet the morn,
11           With a richer note the black-bird
12              Warbles from the tufted thorn,
13           With a softer voice the streamlet
14              Lisps its whispered love-song gay,
15           For it is the happy spring-tide,
16              'Tis the merry month of May!

17           And a dawn of gorgeous promise
18              Trembles over wood and wold,
19           Waiting for the regal Summer
20              And her pomp of green and gold;
21           Waiting for the full fruition
22              Of the blossoms of to-day,
23           Oh! it is the happy spring-time,
24              'Tis the merry month of May!

25           So, my friend, may your spring morning
26              Scatter fragrant promise round;
27           So, with trophy-wreaths and garlands,
28              May your after years be crown'd;
29           May a rich and sumptuous summer
30              Of good deeds begin to-day,
31           May the God of heaven be with you
32              In your merry, merry May!

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