Seven Times One

There's no dew left on the daisies and clover

There's no rain left in heaven:

I've said my "seven times" over and over,

Seven times one are seven.

I am old, so old, I can write a letter;

My birthday lessons are done;

The lambs play always, they know no better;

They are only one times one.

O moon! in the night I have seen you sailing

And shining so round and low;

You were bright! ah, bright! but your light is failing,—

You are nothing now but a bow.

You moon, have you done something wrong in heaven

That God has hidden your face?

I hope if you have you will soon be forgiven,

And shine again in your place.

O velvet bee, you're a dusty fellow,

You've powdered your legs with gold!

O brave marsh marybuds, rich and yellow,

Give me your money to hold!

O columbine, open your folded wrapper,

Where two twin turtledoves dwell

O cuckoopint, toll me the purple clapper,

That hangs in your clear green bell!

And show me your nest with the young ones in it

I will not steal them away;

I am old! you may trust me, linnet, linnet—

I am seven times one to-day.

— Jean Ingelow