If you go looking for me in the spring
When the flowers are blooming and mockingbirds sing
On days when the daffy-down-dillies are blooming,
Their small yellow flowers so quaint, unassuming;–
I’m sure that you’ll realize just where to look
Beside the sweet bluebells and babbling brook;
And there you will find me, enjoying the bliss
That comes when the weather is lovely like this.
You’ll find me wandering beside the sweet stream,
My gaze far adrift and my mind in a dream,
Imbibing the beauty with pleasure abounding,
Immersed in the loveliness that’s all-surrounding –
Enjoying the glory of daffy-down-dillies,
Their round yellow teacups and bright yellow frillies –
And knowing the splendor has filled me with grace,
Brought joy to my life and a smile to my face.
And every spring, it’s there that I’ll be:
My footsteps will guide all its beauty to me –
Where the bluebells are blooming and the brook babbles by
As it laughs with the flowers – and so there I
Will be traipsing about in the forested hillies,
Adoring the spring and her daffy-down-dillies,
Admiring the sights that I cherish so dear,
The ones I return to year after year.
And even long after I’ve gone far away,
And I’ve gone where we go when we no longer stay;–
You’ll know that the springtime will bring my return
In the flowers that are blooming down by the burn –
For I will be dancing with daffy-down-dillies,
Their bright little teacups and round yellow frillies;–
You’ll know in your heart that I’m still around
Whenever the beauties of springtime abound.
Originally published in The Journal of the Virginia Writers Club (Summer 2024)
Philip Stephens 