Andrew Jackson Downing Biography

The music of the busy bee
Is drowsy, and it comforts me;
But, ah! 'tis quite another thing,
When that same bee concludes to sting!
...

I saw a pretty bluebird, yesterday,
Rocking itself upon a budding spray-
The while it fluted forth a tender song
That brought a promise of sunshiny days.
...

Bright coinage of the generous sun,
Down-flung, and scattered, one by one-
They star with gold the green plateau,
...

The cool rain poured in sudden haste
Upon the thirsty sod,
And life throughout an arid waste
...

A wise old mother is Nature-
She guideth her children's feet
In many a flowery pathway;
And her strong life-currents beat,
...