Caroline Symmons (1789-1803)

To Her Young Friend

 
 
 

No moon now blushes on the enamoured sight;

a 
 

No genial sun now warms the torpid lay

b 
 

Since February sternly checked his ray

b 
 

When Lucy's eyes first beamed their azure light.

a 
 5

What though no vernal flowers my hand invite

a 
 

To crop their fragrance for your natal day;

b 
 

Lucy, for you the snowdrop and the bay

b 
 

Shall blend the unfading green and modest white.

a 
 

Though on your natal day with aspect bleak

c 
 10

Stern winter frown, in icy garments dressed,

d 
 

Still may the rosy summer robe your cheek

c 
 

And the green spring still bud within your breast:

d 
 

Till, the world fading on your closing eyes,

e 
 

You find a golden autumn in the skies.

e 
 
 

Found online at Sonnet Central.

Remarks:

Astonishingly, by an eleven-year-old girl, who lived only to age 14.