Little May’s Jewels

What are you weaving, my wee Miss May?
     Oh, a beautiful chain to wear 
     About my neck, or over my hair, 
From stems of the dandelion gay.
How long will it last? It will last to-day, 
To-morrow I’ll play some other play.

And what are you doing now, Miss May?
     Making a fillet of lilac flowers, 
     Pretty and sweet, between the showers
That drive the buzzing bees away.
Will it last you long? It will last today, 
To-morrow I'll play some other play.

Now in the cool October, say,
     What jewels are you stringing there?
     They are scarlet beads the alders bear, 
Brighter than corals are, are they!
Will they wear as well? They. will last today, 
To-morrow I'll play some other play.

Ha, wise little miss, who are always May, 
     In spring or autumn, in rain or shine, 
     If half your sweet content were mine 
Bubbles might break and blooms decay, 
I would take today's gift for to-day, 
And trust to-morrow for some new way.