Seasons

(Macmillan's Magazine, Dec. 1866.)


Oh the cheerful Budding-time!
    When thorn-hedges turn to green,
When new leaves of elm and lime
    Cleave and shed their winter screen;
Tender lambs are born and 'baa,'
    North wind finds no snow to bring,
Vigorous Nature laughs 'Ha, ha,'
    In the miracle of spring.

Oh the gorgeous Blossom-days!
    When broad flag-flowers drink and blow,
In and out in summer-blaze
    Dragon-flies flash to and fro;
Ashen branches hang out keys,
    Oaks put forth the rosy shoot,
Wandering herds wax sleek at ease,
    Lovely blossoms end in fruit.

Oh the shouting Harvest-weeks!
    Mother earth grown fat with sheaves
Thrifty gleaner finds who seeks;
    Russet-golden pomp of leaves
Crowns the woods, to fall at length;
    Bracing winds are felt to stir,
Ocean gathers up her strength,
    Beasts renew their dwindled fur.

Oh the starving Winter-lapse!
    Ice-bound, hunger-pinched and dim;
Dormant roots recall their saps,
    Empty nests show black and grim,
Short-lived sunshine gives no heat,
    Undue buds are nipped by frost,
Snow sets forth a winding-sheet,
    And all hope of life seems lost.