---

Paul Laurence Dunbar - The Lapse
Work rating: Low

This poem must be done to-day;
    Then, I `ll e`en to it.
  I must not dream my time away,--
    I `m sure to rue it.
  The day is rather bright, I know
    The Muse will pardon
  My half-defection, if I go
    Into the garden.
  It must be better working there,--
    I `m sure it`s sweeter:
  And something in the balmy air
    May clear my metre.
 Ah this is noble, what a sky!
    What breezes blowing!
  The very clouds, I know not why,
    Call one to rowing.
  The stream will be a paradise
    To-day, I `ll warrant.
  I know the tide that`s on the rise
    Will seem a torrent;
  I know just how the leafy boughs
    Are all a-quiver;
  I know how many skiffs and scows
    Are on the river.
  I think I `ll just go out awhile
    Before I write it;
  When Nature shows us such a smile,
    We should n`t slight it.
  For Nature always makes desire
    By giving pleasure;
  And so `t will help me put more fire
    Into my measure.
  The river`s fine, I `m glad I came,
    That poem `s teasing;
  But health is better far than fame,
    Though cheques are pleasing.
  I don`t know what I did it for,--
    This air `s a poppy.
  I `m sorry for my editor,--
    He `ll get no copy!
Source
The script ran 0.001 seconds.