To One Poem in a Silent Time by Alice Meynell

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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?

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