Classic Poem

What occult alchemy the brown Earth shows
As Spring is coming! and the Spirit waits
The gorgeous opening of the ruby gates
That flood the world with blossoms like the rose:
With jonquils rich as sunset when it glows
Golden amid dim clouds, for Earth creates
From lowliest things, Beauty that never sates,
But flowers her lonely path where e'er she goes.

And they whose torch of life is burning low,—
Whom fate has left along the desolate road,—
Whom Youth and Love deserted long ago,
E'en these, as May returns, lift up their load
Almost with hope,—ignoring even pain,—
And with strange faith look forward once again.