The Waking of Spring
Spirit of Spring, thy coverlet of snow
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Hath fallen from thee, with its fringe of frost,2
And where the river late did overflow
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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
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Into the cold grey east, where clouds assemble
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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
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Large delicate leaves, all silver-veined, that fling
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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
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Whose voice is thrilling music, Love, thy Lord,18
Whose tender glances stir thy soul, whose wide
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Wings wave above thee, thou awakened bride !20