Oh! To be a flower 
Nodding in the sun, 
Bending, then upspringing 
As the breezes run; 
Holding up 
A scent-brimmed cup, 
Full of summer's fragrance to the summer sun. 

Oh! To be a butterfly 
Still, upon a flower, 
Winking with its painted wings, 
Happy in the hour. 
Blossoms hold 
Mines of gold 
Deep within the farthest heart of each chaliced flower. 

Oh! To be a cloud 
Blowing through the blue, 
Shadowing the mountains, 
Rushing loudly through 
Valleys deep 
Where torrents keep 
Always their plunging thunder and their misty arch of blue. 

Oh! To be a wave 
Splintering on the sand, 
Drawing back, but leaving 
Lingeringly the land. 
Rainbow light 
Flashes bright 
Telling tales of coral caves half hid in yellow sand. 

Soon they die, the flowers; 
Insects live a day; 
Clouds dissolve in showers; 
Only waves at play 
Last forever. 
Shall endeavor 
Make a sea of purpose mightier than we dream to-day?