The Weber Literary Journal sightly girl retreated hurriedly to the house while the drenched young hero cut thru the back alley. March winds and April showers do not always make fair flowers. My Spring Hat You can talk about your meadows, and your skies, and grasses, too, And your flowers and your birds and all of that, But the essence and quintessence of all happy, Springy things Is, to me, my long desired new spring hat. My new spring hat's the color of the fresh-washed sky of Spring. It's got flowers, birds, and grasses neat and pat. But unlike Spring, and better, 'tis a thing that can be worn Oh, the nicest thing Spring brings is a new hat! 16 The Weber Literary Journal The Plea By Ruth Manning "We are watching for the spring-maid," Said the tiny violets, blue; "We're afraid that she passed by us While we sipped the morning dew. Have you seen her in the garden Waking up the crocus gay? It is long since last we saw her And embraced her sunny ray. How we miss her happy presence That called back the birds to mate! When she kissed us, ere she left us She called back, 'I'll not be late.' We are ready, we are waiting For her soft, warm, gentle rain, That will strengthen us and help us To come up on earth again. If you see her, won't you tell her That King Winter still holds reign? Beg her hurry back and banish him That we may bloom again." Pussywillow Pussywillow dear, you are sleek, you are fat, And your coat is like a silver mist; You are very soft and furry and you almost seem to purr Oh, you re like a little kitten Spring has kissed! 17