BETA

The Waking of Spring

Spirit of Spring, thy coverlet of snow 1
Hath fallen from thee, with its fringe of frost,2
And where the river late did overflow 3
Sway fragile white anemones, wind-tost,4
And in the woods stand snowdrops, half asleep,5
With drooping heads—sweet dreamers so long lost.6
Spirit, arise ! for crimson flushes creep 7
Into the cold grey east, where clouds assemble 8
To meet the sun : and earth hath ceased to weep.9
Her tears tip every blade of grass, and tremble,10
Caught in the cup of every flower. O Spring !11
I see thee spread thy pinions, they resemble 12
Large delicate leaves, all silver-veined, that fling 13
Frail floating shadows on the forest sward ;14
And all the birds about thee build and sing !15
Blithe stranger from the gardens of our God,16
We welcome thee, for one is at thy side 17
Whose voice is thrilling music, Love, thy Lord,18
Whose tender glances stir thy soul, whose wide 19
Wings wave above thee, thou awakened bride !20