There Was A Cherry-Tree

There was a cherry-tree. Its bloomy snows

Cool even now the fevered sight that knows

No more its airy visions of pure joy —

    As when you were a boy.

There was a cherry-tree. The Bluejay sat

His blue against its white — O blue as jet

He seemed there then!— But now — Whoever knew

    He was so pale a blue!

There was a cherry-tree — our child-eyes saw

The miracle:— Its pure white snows did thaw

Into a crimson fruitage, far too sweet

    But for a boy to eat.

There was a cherry-tree, give thanks and joy!—

There was a bloom of snow — There was a boy —

There was a bluejay of the realest blue —

    And fruit for both of you.