Quote#Nature
Skirting the rocks at the forest edge
Quote byElaine Goodale Eastman · 1863–1953
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Columbine; reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 124..
English (original)
Skirting the rocks at the forest edge With a running flame from ledge to ledge, Or swaying deeper in shadowy glooms, A smoldering fire in her dusky blooms; Bronzed and molded by wind and sun, Maddening, gladdening every one With a gypsy beauty full and fine,— A health to the crimson columbine!
— Elaine Goodale Eastman
More from Elaine Goodale Eastman
Death in the wood,— In the death-pale lips apart; Death in a whiteness that curdled the blood, Now black to the very heart: The wonder by her was formed Who stands supreme in power;
The starry, fragile windflower, Poised above in airy grace, Virgin white, suffused with blushes, Shyly droops her lovely face.
Pure and perfect, sweet arbutus Twines her rosy-tinted wreath.
Nature lies disheveled, pale, With her feverish lips apart,— Day by day the pulses fail, Nearer to her bounding heart; Yet that slackened grasp doth hold Store of pure and genuine gold;
Thy subtle charm is strangely given, My fancy will not let thee be, , Then poise not thus 'twixt earth and heaven, O white anemone!
The seal and guerdon of wealth untold We clasp in the wild marsh marigold.