Spring Bloom

From the Albuquerque Morning Journal, April 4, 1915. By Juliet Wilbor Tompkins.

The spring desire is on me, for the shops are all athrong,
And the longing to be spending is a fever and a song.
I will buy a frock of linen, silver green and grassy cool,
Oh, a linen like a willow, with the mirror for a pool!
I will buy a lacy jacket and a rosy morning cap;
Ah, mother don’t be angry—it’s the rising of the sap.

The spring desire is on me, and I cannot sleep at night,
For my stockings shall be azure, and my shoes a dancing white.
There shall roses be and ribbons round the hat that I shall trim,
Oh, a laughing hat to crown me, with a shadow in the brim!
I will choose the fairest colors, I will buy the finest weaves;
Ah, mother please forgive me—I am putting out my leaves.

Let me out into the morning—oh, my heart is on ahead
To the heaped and growing counters of the city garden bed.
I must fold away the winter, I must make me fine and sweet
From the throat that’s full of singing to the glory of my feet!
I will buy a silver tissue, I will buy a golden plume;
Ah, mother you remember—I am bursting into bloom!