William Allingham – Óhaj – Napvilág Writing Club

Jingle! Although I could be a primrose,
yellow primrose blooming in spring!
Crooked branches above me
the bee loves me
sa fern would creep up
the elm that beckons to the king!

Not at all! I wish I were an elm
voluminous elm with green leaves!
The winds would blow
The sun and the moon would adorn it,
a bird would sprinkle it on its branches
his singing!

He is not! I wish I were a robin
a robin who can land anywhere
through forest, field, garden,
and don’t apologize
when winter comes with ice,
and flaps its wings.

Well tell me! where should i fly
where should I sleep, in the forest or on a cliff?
The end of the day, when it comes
the reel turns,
his mother’s kiss is sweeter
you can’t do anything!

William Allingham – WISHING

RING-TING! I wish I were a Primrose,
A bright yellow Primrose blowing in the Spring!
The stooping boughs above me,
The wandering bee to love me,
The fern and moss to creep across,
And the Elm-tree for our king!

Nay–stay! I wish I were an Elm-tree,
A great lofty Elm-tree, with green leaves gay!
The winds would set them dancing,
The sun and moonshine glancing,
The Birds would house among the boughs,
And sweetly sing!

O–no! I wish I were a Robin,
A Robin or a little Wren, everywhere to go;
Through forest, field, or garden,
And ask no leave or pardon,
Till Winter comes with icy thumbs
To ruffle up our wing.

Well–tell! Where should I fly to,
Where go to sleep in the dark wood or dell?
Before a day was over,
Home comes the rover,
For Mother’s kiss,–sweeter this
Than any other thing!