[Illustration:
Deep within the frozen earth,
Fairest seeds of bloom are sleeping.
Waiting May's re-echoing mirth--
April's days of tender weeping.
Palest blooms and richest dyes
In these close-shut cells are hidden
Fragrance rare, all breathless lies,
E'en its gentlest sigh forbidden.
Are there not lives sad and drear
Fairest seeds of heart bloom holding,
Waiting for kind words of cheer,
Waiting Love for their unfolding?