Classic Poem

Once more the nightmare, Drought, is past
And like a radiant dream,
Too sweet to stay, too bright to last,
Rain comes with wings agleam,
And the long parched and blistered earth
Wakes to ecstatic birth.

As by enchantment, earth again
Is clothed in garments green;
Sleek cattle browse on mead and plain,
And, peaceful and serene,
Sheep nibble on the shade-flecked hills,
Among the frisking rills.

Now once again long silent streams,
Carol with all their might,
Entangling the sun's stray beams,
Snaring the stars at night,
And glad and free from every tree
Wild birds make melody.

O may love come, like shining rain,
Our souls to liberate,
To burst for us the searing chain,
The serpent-skin of Hate,
Then might we, good and great and wise,
Regain lost Paradise.