Ballade of Rhyme
When blossoms born of balmy spring
Breathe fragrance in the pleasant shade
Of branches where the blue-birds sing,
Their hearts with music overweighed;
When brooks go babbling through the glade,
And over rocks the grasses climb
To greet the sunshine, half-afraid,-
How easy ’tis to write a rhyme!
When invitations are a-wing
For gay Terpsichore’s parade;
When dreamy waltzes stir the string
And jewels flash on rich brocade,
Where Paris dresses are displayed,
And slippered feet keep careful time;-
In winter, when the roses fade,
How easy ’tis to write a rhyme!
When by your side, with graceful swing,
Some fair-faced, gentle girl has strayed,
Willing and glad to have you bring
Your claims for love and get them paid
In kisses, smiles, and words that aid
The bells of bliss to better chime;-
When Cupid’s rules are first obeyed,
How easy ’tis to write a rhyme!
Envoy.
Reader, forgive me, man or maid,
Against Calliope this crime;
And let this brief ballade persuade
How easy ’tis to write a rhyme!
Frank Dempster Sherman.