How Doth a Day In May

How lovely is a day in May

When all the earth is good

And green is like a mist-spun fray

Flung soft upon the wood

How wondrous is a day in May

As bud, long, long asleep

In mid-air, plants a flower-splay

Against noon’s azure sweep

How darling is a day in May

A dreamland paradise

Where winter is too far away

To taunt our captive sighs

How handsome is a day in May

Time’s adolescent wink

Wears dresses of blue-sky chambray

And apple blossom pink

How sweeter is a day in May

Than winter’s wailing wraith

Where hills that long loomed dull and gray

Bloom with first-fruits of faith

How tender is a day in May
When Mother Nature smiles
And soothes earth's brokenness away
With leaf and lilac isles

How fleeting is a day in May

Then we should slow our feet

Lest we miss nature’s fresh display

That soon turns bittersweet

© Janet Martin