Poem by Alice Meynell

To One Poem in a Silent Time

Who looked for thee, thou little song of mine?
    This winter of a silent poet's heart
    Is suddenly sweet with thee. But what thou art,
Mid-winter flower, I would I could divine.

Art thou a last one, orphan of thy line?
    Did the dead summer's last warmth foster thee?
    Or is Spring folded up unguessed in me,
And stirring out of sight,—and thou the sign?

Where shall I look—backwards or to the morrow
    For others of thy fragrance, secret child?
        Who knows if last things or if first things claim thee?

—Whether thou be the last smile of my sorrow,
    Or else a joy too sweet, a joy too wild.
        How, my December violet, shall I name thee?

1. A Poet's Wife
2. Beyond Knowledge
3. The Two Poets
4. To the Body
5. Nurse Edith Cavell

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