The summer games with Flower and Bee
Ended as the cold breeze blew;
The Willow scarred by some mad lover
Its leaves started shedding anew.

My friends left for the sun-blest land
Green shawls with jewels decked.
How could I leave my slender Reed,
That bowed each time I pecked.

I met the Reed on a summer day
As I was chasing a bee;
I pecked at its stalk so lovely green;
It bowed a low bow to me.

Round and round it all day long
Flew I with heart very light;
All through the long day summer hours,
Not knowing my future plight.

One fine day the sly Wind blew;
All round my reed he went.
She did a slow and graceful bow;
My heart to hell it sent.

My Reed, have you forgotten those sweet sweet hours,
As around you I went;
With no good deed other than courting,
All the time we spent.

A thousand coo-coos to myself I uttered
Ere the best before you I laid;
But what did you do my dear lil’ Reed?
With the cold wind you swayed!

I seem to have found the long-searched answer
To that question dear;
Reeds are Reeds, for bowing to all;
However good the appear!