Classic Poem

TO A FLOWERING SHRUB....IN WINTER

How art thou changed, once-blooming tree! when last
Amid these paths I gave my feet to stray,
Cherished by gales, and showers, and summer's ray.
Fair didst thou flourish.....But thy hour is past;
And, scattered by the fury of the blast,
Thy blushing flowers the gift of rosy May,
Thy buds, and verdant leaves, are whirled away,
And all thy honours to the earth are cast....
Ah! yet a little, and the breath of spring
Shall crown thee with fresh flowers; again shall bring
Fragrance to thy young buds, and new-born bloom,
Again shall fan thee with propitious wing.
But oh! what spring shall dawn upon the gloom
That dwells around the cold and silent tomb!