To Alice, Three Years Old + 

When I began the gift I bear + 

It seemed you weren’t anywhere; + 

But being younger now I know + 

How even fifty moons ago + 

The apple bloom began to seek + 

The proper tinting for a cheek; + 

The skies, aware of thrilling news, + 

Displayed the loveliest of blues + 

For whoso fashions eyes to choose. + 

And all that prehistoric spring + 

Experimental grace of wing + 

And tentatively shapen forms, + 

From crocuses to thunderstorms. + 

And happy sound and sunny glow + 

Rehearsed you fifty moons ago. + 

Why, even I was toiling too + 

Upon a little gift for youl + 

And now that we are wise and three. + 

And I love you and you love me. + 

We know the whole conspiracy! + 