My Garden

My heart is a little garden Set in a desert waste; The walls are rough, the door is small, And high the key is placed.

None guess my hidden riches, My wealth of leaf and bloom; The gold of chaliced lilies, The roses rare perfume.

Here climbs the starry jasmine, Hope’s ladder to the skies; And here like thoughts too pure for words The silken moonflowers rise.

Here falls the plashing fountain With Fancy’s waters bright; Here flit Ambition’s butterflies, Winged jewels in the light.

And all sweet birds are singing Their happy songs together; So brings the year whatever cheer My heart holds summer weather.