Classic Poem

Hence, hence away, thou murderous Winter: hence
Thy chilling breath, fierce lowered brows, and heart
Reckless of mercy! See, at how foul expense
Of earth's last loveliness in ruthless part
Thou suff'rest the odorous flower no more to bloom,
Nor dear bird sing, nor aught escape thy doom!

Yet art thou doomed thyself. This gracious morn,
This February morn's soft fitful sun and sky
Of tremulous blue, bid hope once more be born.
Hail, herald of a world's renaissance nigh—
Of daffodil, and swallow, and rich song
Of nesting loves green burgeoning buds among!