June in the Country

I don't know how it is where you live but to me, June is many lovely things--blue skies, warm air, roses, strawberries, the smell of drying hay.

I love the open country

Where everything seems clean;

And the wide spread of beauty

With many shades of green

I love the hills and valleys

That sleep 'most anywhere;

And the tall quiet mountains

With cloud-dust in their hair.

I love the verdant meadows

Where flowers bloom so bright;

And orchards, oh so fragrant,

With blossoms pink and white.

I love the harrowed gardens

That wait with upturned face;

And the winds softly touching

The seedlings now in place.

I love to hear birds singing

In treetops overhead;

And listen to them saying

A prayer before their bed.

I love the open country,

Now especially in June,

When symphonies are playing

And nature is in tune.

(Gertrude Rudberg)

The roses on the rail fence in front of my house have put on a dazzling display of beauty this year. (Click to enlarge)