The Gentian

As one late wakened to the call of Love,
Whose eager youth ran by nor yielded toll,
Withheld aloof beneath a cold control,
Disdaining Heart and throning Mind above ;

Yet in mid-life, at flood-tide of success,
Lays power and honors down before Her feet,
Compelled to mighty love by love as meet,
Unselfed, unswerving, final, measureless ;

So wakes the Gentian with November near,
Nor answers aught to sweet June’s fervid breath,
But as late love, with passion unto death,
Outlives the summer and the flaming year.

Grace Richardson.