This might have been a place for sleep, br But, as from that small hollow there br Hosts of bright thistledown begin br Their dazzling journey through the air, br An idle man can only stare. br br They grip their withered edge of stalk br In brief excitement for the wind; br They hold a breathless final talk, br And when their filmy cables part br One almost hears a little cry. br br Some cling together while they wait, br And droop and gaze and hesitate, br But others leap along the sky, br Or circle round and calmly choose br The gust they know they ought to use; br br While some in loving pairs will glide, br Or watch the others as they pass, br Or rest on flowers in the grass, br Or circle through the shining day br Like silvery butterflies at play. br br Some catch themselves to every mound, br Then lingeringly and slowly move br As if they knew the precious ground br Were opening for their fertile love: br They almost try to dig, they need br So much to plant their thistle-seed.