At the Gate

Around in silent grandeur stood 
The stately children of the wood; 
Maple and elm and towering pine 
Mantled in folds of dark woodbine.

Notes:

Today is the birthday of the heartfelt American poet and writer - known as Rutland's poet and Vermont's unofficial poet laureate - Julia Dorr, born on this day, February 13, 1825.

As a girl, her pseudonym was Flora or Florillla.

The poet William Cullen Bryant once read one of her poems and wrote to tell her how much he loved the beauty of its imagery. And Ralph Waldo Emerson visited her and included one of her poems - called Outgrown - in his book called Parnassus.

As you read her poems, imagine Julia Dorr writing in her little study next to the parlor. She had a window by her desk that overlooked her flower garden, which she called "her refuge and inspiration."