Gateway to the Classics: A Child's Own Book of Verse, Book One by Ada M. Skinner and Frances Gillespy Wickes
 
A Child's Own Book of Verse, Book One by  Ada M. Skinner and Frances Gillespy Wickes

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


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