A Wonder Garden
“And a little child shall lead them”
Into her world, beneath her smiling skies;
A little child with wide, wondering eyes
Deep with the mystery that in them lies.
Her soft hand plucks a stem asunder,
And with the dream that is a part
Of Childhood’s heart,
She questions:
“Now I want to wonder!”
She “wants to wonder” how so fair a thing
Is born; from what it springs, and why it blooms:
Whence comes its sweet, elusive odor rare,—
The garnered fragrance of a hundred Junes.
Was it all planned,—or just some lovely blunder?
Thus gazing, with the seeking look that lies
In Childhood’s eyes,
She questions:
“Now I want to wonder!”
Dear Child, your groping mind seeks far and true:
Mankind and Nature,—all “want to wonder” too.
Frederic A. Whiting