Song by Amy Lowell Lyrics

Oh! To be a flower
         Nodding in the sun,
Bending, then upspringing
         As the breezes run;
Holding up
A scent-brimmed cup,
         Full of summer's fragrance to the summer sun.

Oh! To be a butterfly
         Still, upon a flower,
Winking with its painted wings,
         Happy in the hour.
Blossoms hold
Mines of gold
         Deep within the farthest heart of each chaliced flower.

Oh! To be a cloud
        Blowing through the blue,
Shadowing the mountains,
         Rushing loudly through
Valleys deep
Where torrents keep
         Always their plunging thunder and their misty arch of blue.
Oh! To be a wave
         Splintering on the sand,
Drawing back, but leaving
         Lingeringly the land.
Rainbow light
Flashes bright
         Telling tales of coral caves half hid in yellow sand.

Soon they die, the flowers;
         Insects live a day;
Clouds dissolve in showers;
         Only waves at play
Last forever.
Shall endeavor
         Make a sea of purpose mightier than we dream to-day?