Classic Poem

List ! the autumn rain is falling,
Pattering on the withered leaves,
On the brilliant autumn blossoms,
On the farmer's golden sheaves.

Summer's glorious reign is over;
Now the storm-clouds come again:
Cold and sad, forlorn and dreary,
Sounds once more the autumn rain.

On the new-made graves 'tis falling, —
Heavy drops, so chill and sad!
Changed indeed from showers of spring-time,
Heralding the blossoms glad.
Dreary days of leaf-strewn pathways!
Quickly have you come again:
Aching hearts can never welcome,
Chill and drear, the autumn rain.

Close the door, and lift the curtains;
Light anew the parlor fire:
Round those graves our spirits linger,
And we scarce can lift them higher.
Ope the Book, the best, the dearest;
Read each precious promise o'er;
Think! no autumn rain is falling
On the bright and cloudless shore.

There the dear ones wait our coming;
There the blossoms fadeless blow;
There the streams of joy celestial
From unfailing fountains flow;
There anew the links are woven
Of Love's bright eternal chain;
There the griefs of earth are over,
With the dreary autumn rain.