Little Ida’s Flowers

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  “MY poor flowers are quite dead!” said little Ida. “They were so pretty yesterday, and now all the leaves hang withered. Why do they do that? . . . Why do the flowers look so faded to-day?” she asked again, and showed him a nosegay, which was quite withered.  “Do you know what’s the matter with them?” said the Student. “The flowers have been at a ball last night, and that’s why they hang their heads.”  “But flowers cannot dance!” cried little Ida. “O yes,” said the Student, “when it grows dark, and we are asleep, they jump about merrily. Almost every night they have a ball.” —Hans Christian Andersen. (1805–1875)

Happy Graduation Day, Sparkie!

Here upon this graduation
as I write congratulations
upon my laptop like a homework chore;
I think back to those books and reading,
finding lessons in flour kneading
doing math till eyes were bleeding--
You can say to High School, “nevermore.”


We’ve reached the end, though weak and weary
(the world’s your oyster now, my dearie)
and your brother’s not quite Soph-o-more;
It’s time to put to use that learning,
go on to college if you’re yearning,
or perhaps a living, earning--
But you can say to High School, “nevermore.”

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