LIKE CRUSOE, WALKING BY THE LONELY STRAND ~~~
And seeing a human footprint on the sand, ~~~
Have I this day been startled, finding here, ~~~
Set in brown mould, and delicately clear, ~~~
Spring's footprint--the first crocus of the year! ~~~
O sweet invasion! Farewell solitude! ~~~
Soon shall wild creatures of the field and wood ~~~
Flock from all sides with much ado and stir, ~~~
And make of me most willing prisoner! ~~~ ~~~ "LIKE CRUSOE, WALKING BY THE LONELY STRAND", by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH