09

The Dandelions

Helen Gray Cone

Upon a showery night and still,

Without a sound of warning,

A trooper band surprised the hill,

And held it in the morning.

We were not waked by bugle notes;

No cheer our dreams invaded;

And yet, at dawn, their yellow coats

On the green slopes paraded.

We careless folk the deed forgot,

Till one day, idly walking,

We marked upon the selfsame spot

A crowd of veterans talking.

They shook their trembling heads and gray

With pride and noiseless laughter;

When, well-a-day! they blew away,

And ne'er were heard of after!