Dreamers and Other Poems

<p><SPAN name="THE_POPLARS" id="THE_POPLARS"></SPAN>THE POPLARS</p> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">My poplars are like ladies trim,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each conscious of her own estate;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">In costume somewhat over prim,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">In manner cordially sedate,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Like two old neighbours met to chat</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beside my garden gate.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">My stately old aristocrats&mdash;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I fancy still their talk must be</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of rose-conserves and Persian cats,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And lavender and Indian tea;&mdash;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I wonder sometimes as I pass</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">If they approve of me.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I give them greeting night and morn,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I like to think they answer, too,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">With that benign assurance born</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">When youth gives age the reverence due,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And bend their wise heads as I go</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">As courteous ladies do.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Long may you stand before my door,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, kindly neighbours garbed in green,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And bend with rustling welcome o'er</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">The many friends who pass between;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And where the little children play</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Look down with gracious mien.</span><br/> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />