Classic Poem

Low hung the leaden clouds o'er Reading paths;
The damp breath of the salt east wind was chill;
And far from spring-like seemed the cheerless day,
While sad its influence on the heart and will.

There came an hour when rifted clouds proclaimed
That still the sun above them brightly shone:
Then came thy message, and with happier heart
I sped with thee o'er paths before unknown.

Along the country roads we quietly ride,
And watch the tokens of Spring's gentle reign:
The feathery catkins of the roadside trees
In graceful beauty meet our eyes again.

The bending willows now are clothed in green;
Red flowerets on the maples we behold;
Lo! promise-blossoms deck the cherries too,
And emerald meadows oft are starred with gold.

I see the birds flit from the half-clad trees,
To evergreens where summer beauty shines;
And hear their welcome, spring-time carol sweet,
Far off and high, amid the lofty pines.

Aye, spring has come, although the days are dark
With lowering clouds, and chill the east winds blow:
Lo! still the promise is to man fulfilled,
Seed-time and harvest all the earth shall know.

How is it with thee, O my soul! to-day?
God grant the seeds of holy truth are thine,
To grow in beauty through Life's changeful spring,
And ripen for the harvest-field divine.