Wishing

Ring-ting! I wish I were a primrose, A bright yellow primrose, blooming in the spring! The stooping boughs above me, The wandering bee to love me, The ferns and moss to creep across, And the elm-tree for our king! Nay—stay! I wish I were an elm-tree, A great, lofty elm-tree, with green leaves gay! The winds would set them dancing, The sun and moonshine glance in, The birds would house among the boughs, And ever sweetly sing! Oh—no! I wish I were a robin, A robin or a little wren, everywhere to go; Through forest, field, or garden, And ask no leave or pardon, Till winter comes with icy thumbs To ruffle up our wings!