Now Faith and Hope and Charity—
Upon these three men all agree
None greater can in heart reside.
More fickle, though, are veins of wood,
And tenderest April blossoms could
(No lack of good intent besides)
Be withered by an ill-timed frost
Or by nor’easter be accost’d.
The life of blossoms is not sure!
The Cherry falls at slightest breeze;
Magnolia buds like castwork freeze;
The Redbud and the Flow’ring Pear,
Though more resilient, don’t compare.
Hopes often dashed ere April’s past–
Can none of Spring’s vast hoard e’er last?
Yet, ah! the Dogwood does endure.
May 14, 2022
Flagstones 