EVERYWHERE the Yarrow grows!⠀
Here and there the thistle blows,⠀
Here and there the barberries,⠀
By the brook the plumy fern;⠀
We know where the lily is,⠀
Where the dear wild roses burn;⠀
But the Yarrow everywhere⠀
Wanders on the common air.⠀
⠀
No one need to search for thee:⠀
Even now thy leaf I see⠀
Peeping o'er my opened book,⠀
Throwing so fair a shadow down,⠀
So perfect, that I can but look,⠀
And, looking, find new wonder crown⠀
The bliss of beauty which before⠀
Taught my spirit to adore. ⠀
⠀
In thy bitter odors blent⠀
Health we find, not discontent;⠀
In thy name a tender grief⠀
For that love once drowned in Yarrow⠀
Stream that never gave relief⠀
To the faithful "winsome marrow."⠀
Bitter Yarrow! Flowing Yarrow!⠀
Still lament thy winsome marrow!⠀
⠀
Emblem of our equal land,⠀
Where men and women helpful stand,⠀
And love and labor, high and low;⠀
Type of the low! Thou lovely plant!⠀
Teach the proud-hearted how to know ⠀
The sacred worth of Nature's grant, ⠀
The strength of bitterness, and the sweet ⠀
Humility of beauty's feet.