Make Me Mellow

Some would have Spring within the heart,

But I, some mellow month in mine

Like old October: flowers depart,

And even youth must resign —

But always, brothers, there are some

To whom no Winters ever come:

Always October skies are theirs,

Even amid life's wintry cares.

And I would have my soul look the same:

I cannot keep the look of youth,

But how October maples flame —

Age takes our beauty, gives us truth,

Age takes our wit, and makes us wise,

Age gives us life's October skies

And old October's mellower days,

A better time a thousand ways.

God make me mellow! Make me not

Sudden as Summer, brief as Spring.

I would not blow too cold, too hot,

I would keep kind through ev'rything.

I may give others less than flow'rs

Of flattery, but in their hours

Of grief, of trouble and of need

May I bring rather fruits to feed.

Douglas Malloch