After May

May came, and every shabby phoenix flapped
A colored rag in lieu of shining wings;
In school bad manners spat and went unslapped –
Schoolmistress Fancy dreamt of other things.
The liar blossomed for a day or two
Gaily, and the grew weary of her fame.
Plough-horses out of grass could now pursue
The pleasures of the very mute and tame.

A light that might be mystic or a fraud
Played on far hills beyond all common sight,
And some men said that it was Adam's God
As Adam saw before the Apple-bite.
Sweet May is gone, and now must poets croon
The praises of rather stupid June.