A Young Fir-Wood
These little firs to-day are things
To clasp into a giant’s cap,
Or fans to suit his lady’s lap.
From many winters, many springs
Shall cherish them in strength and sap,
Till they be marked upon the map,
A wood for the wind’s wanderings.
All seed is in the sower’s hands:
And what at first was trained to spread
Its shelter for some single head,—
Yea, even such fellowship of wands,—
May hide the sunset, and the shade
Of its great multitude be laid
Upon the earth and elder sands.
Dante G. Rossetti.