THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH
Reading edition
America, 1836-
Marjorie's Almanac[4]
Robins in the tree top, Blossoms in the grass, Green things a-growing Everywhere you pass Sudden little breezes, 5 Showers of silver dew, Black bough and bent twig Budding out anew; Pine tree and willow tree, Fringed elm, and larch,— Don't you think that May-time's Pleasanter than March? Apples in the orchard 5 Mellowing one by one; Strawberries upturning Soft cheeks to the sun; Roses faint with sweetness, Lilies fair of face, 10 Drowsy scents and murmurs Haunting every place; Lengths of golden sunshine, Moonlight bright as day— Don't you think that summer's 15 Pleasanter than May? Roger in the corn patch Whistling negro songs; Pussy by the hearth side Romping with the tongs; 20 Chestnuts in the ashes, Bursting through the rind; Red leaf and gold leaf Rustling down the wind; Mother "doin' peaches" All the afternoon,— 5 Don't you think that autumn's Pleasanter than June? Little fairy snow-flakes Dancing in the flue; Old Mr. Santa Claus, 10 What is keeping you? Twilight and firelight Shadows come and go; Merry chime of sleigh bells Tinkling through the snow; 15 Mother knitting stockings, Pussy's got the ball, Don't you think that winter's Pleasanter than all?