Eric Mackay Yeoman (1885–1909)

O VIOLET! when I look on thy face,

And on the lofty loveliness that lies

In the high sweetness of thy fragile grace

And in the pale blue beauty of thy guise,

Briefly I mark thy charm and darling worth,

Thy shape and painting all so delicate;

And straightway new thoughts lead me from the earth,

And new-known wisdom holds me separate.

I look upon thy beauty’s mystery,

And judge thee fair,—and think no more of thee:

For, as I hold thee in my caring hand,

New things of heaven and earth I understand.