Page:Poems Curwen.djvu/125

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i'd rather be a daisy
117

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.


I'd rather be a Daisy.
I'd rather be a daisy in the field—
A daisy in the field of poesy—
If but a passing pleasure I may yield
Unto the weary-hearted passer-by.

I envy not the one that wears the bays,
A "shining light" I would not care to be;
I'd rather sing my modest little lays,
Inspired by nothing more than sympathy.

I count it purest joy if, haply, I
May cheer one soul by grief or care cast down;
I'd rather dry the tear in sorrow's eye,
Than scale the highest summit of renown.

I love the poets, love the silvery chimes
Of their sweet measures, musical and grand;
But I would rather pen the simple rhymes
That lowly hearts may read and understand.