Agnes Taylor Ketchum

The Seasons

S PRING, Summer, Autumn and Winter once had a great quarrel. Each of them wanted to be greater than the other. I am the best season said the spring; see my pretty green dress, covered over with bright flowers. Listen to the song of the birds who come back from the South, when they know spring is near, and look at the sun peeping from behind light clouds, down on the beautiful earth.

I am best, said summer; I bring the hot sun that ripens strawberries and cherries. I bring the ripe wheat and corn, and all around you can hear the merry song of the reapers.

I bring the purple grapes cried autumn, and red apples and juicy pears. I bring forests of gold and crimson, and best of all I bring Thanksgiving Day. Then all three cried out, what can you  say for yourself, Oh cold and dreary winter? The grass is gone, the flowers have died, the birds have flown, the winds are cold and even the sky is dark.

Then said old winter, I have no green dress, but I have a soft white dress which little children love to see. I bring no flowers, but I bring icicles which shine like diamonds. I freeze the pond so little children can slide and skate. I bring the bright warm fires, round which kind mothers sit, and tell stories to their dear little children.

But best of all I bring Christmas and Santa Claus, and the Christmas tree. Then all the little children, who were listening, clapped their hands, and said, we love spring and summer and autumn, but we love old winter best of all.