Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Poems by William Allingham (Author: William Allingham)

poem 3

Wishing

  1. Ring-ting! I wish I were a Primrose,
    A bright yellow Primrose blowing in the Spring!
    The stooping boughs above me,
    The wandering bee to love me,
    The fern and moss to creep across
    And the Elm-tree for our King!
  2. Nay—stay! I wish I were an Elm-tree,
    A great lofty Elm-tree, with green leaves gay!
    The winds would set them dancing,
    The sun and moonshine glance in,
    The birds would house among the boughs,
    And sweetly sing!
  3. O—no! I wish I were a Robin,
    A Robin or a little Wren, everywhere to go;
    Through forest, field, or garden,
    And ask no leave or pardon,
    Till Winter comes with icy thumbs
    To ruffle up our wing!
  4. Well—tell! Where should I fly to,
    Where go to sleep in the dark wood or dell?
    Before a day was over,
    Home comes the rover,
    For Mother's kiss,—sweeter this
    Than any other thing!

    5. p.28