Flower Chorus-R.W. Emerson

FLOWER CHORUS

O such a commotion under the ground

When March called 'Ho, there! ho!'

Such spreading of rootlets far and wide,

Such whisperings to and fro!

'Are you ready?' the Snowdrop asked,

'Tis time to start, you know.'

'Almost, my dear!' the Scilla replied,

'I'll follow as soon as you go.'

Then 'Ha! ha! ha!' a chorus came

Of laughter sweet and low,

Of millions of flowers under the ground,

Yes, millions, beginning to grow.

'I'll promise my blossoms,' the Crocus said,

'When I hear the blackbird sing.'

And straight thereafter Narcissus cried,

'My silver and gold I'll bring.'

'And ere they are dulled,' another spoke,

'The hyacinth bells shall ring';

But the Violet only murmured 'I'm here,'

And sweet grew the air of spring.

Then 'Ha! ha! ha!' a chorus came

Of laughter sweet and low,

From millions of flowers under the ground,

Yes, millions, beginning to grow.

O the pretty brave things, through the coldest days

Imprisoned in walls of brown,

They never lost heart, though the blast shrieked

loud,

And the sleet and the hail came down;

But patiently each wrought her wonderful dress,

Or fashioned her beautiful crown;

And now they are coming to lighten the world

Still shadowed by winter's frown.

And well may they cheerily laugh 'Ha! ha!

In laughter sweet and low,

The millions of flowers under the ground,

Yes, millions, beginning to grow.

R. W. EMERSON

Summary: 'Flower Chorus' by R. W. Emerson is a poem that describes the excitement and joy of millions of flowers growing underground during the early days of spring. The poem personifies the flowers, with the Snowdrop and Scilla discussing their readiness to grow and the Crocus and Narcissus promising their blossoms and colors. The hyacinth and Violet also join the chorus of laughter and joy, bringing cheer to a world still shadowed by winter's frown. The poem celebrates the resilience of these pretty, brave things that patiently work on their dresses and crowns during the coldest days, never losing heart despite the harsh weather. Finally, the poem ends with the laughter and joy of millions of flowers beginning to grow, promising the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature's renewal.