February 19, 1881.
Your Winter gift of bud and bloom
Took nature by surprise;
’Twas sudden Summer in my room,
And April in my eyes.
The kindly mist a moment stole
The flowers from my view,
But lo! they blossomed in my soul,
Where love their fragrance knew.
Fair embassy! their smiles I greet,
Camellia, pink and rose;
I understand the message sweet
Their gentle hearts enclose.
Their winsome beauty gladdens me
With this immortal truth:
No age can quite unhappy be
That still remembers youth.
Dear boys! companions! friends sincere!
More warm and true than men,
I thank you most because my tear
Made me a boy again.