Ella Wheeler Wilcox

So Long in Coming

When shall I hear the thrushes sing, 
And see their graceful, round throats swelling? 
When shall I watch the bluebirds bring
The straws and twiglets for their dwelling? 
When shall I hear among the trees
The little martial partridge drumming? 
Oh! Hasten! Sights and sounds that please –
The summer is so long in coming.

The winds are talking with the sun; 
I hope they will combine together
And melt the snow-drifts, one by one, 
And bring again the golden weather.
Oh, haste, make haste, dear sun and wind, 
I long to hear the brown bee humming; 
I seek for blooms I cannot find, 
The summer is so long in coming.

The winter has been cold, so cold; 
Its winds are harsh, and bleak, and dreary, 
And all its sports are stale and old; 
We wait for something now more cheery.
Come up, O summer, from the south, 
And bring the harps your hands are thrumming.
We pine for kisses from your mouth! 
Oh! Do not be so long in coming.