To Olive Wheeler

Winter on Mount Shasta, April down below; Golden hours of glowing sun Sudden showers of snow! Under leafless thickets Early wild-flowers cling; But, oh, my dear, I'm fain to hear The first bird o' Spring!

Alders are in tassel, Maples are in bud; Waters of the blue McCloud Shout in joyful flood; Through the giant pine-trees Flutters many a wing; But, oh, my dear, I long to hear The first bird o' Spring!

Candle-light and fire-light Mingle at "the Bend"; 'Neath the roof of Bo-hai-pan Light and shadow blend. Sweeter than a wood-thrush A maid begins to sing; And, oh, my dear, I'm glad to hear The first bird o' Spring!

The Bend, California, April 29, 1913.