Classic Poem

S ARAH paused anear the window,
Gathered up her baby form,
And with pleased, incredulous wonder,
Gazed upon the wintry storm.
Slowly fell the glittering snowflakes,
One by one, like blossoms fair,
Rifled from some bower of roses
By the covetous summer air;
Nearer drew the child, her eyes
Dilating with a large surprise.

“Flowers!” at length she murmurs softly,
Upward gazing all the while,
Till the fancy warms her features
With a bright exulting smile.
Bravo! she has solved the problem
To her own sweet faith, at least,
And she hugs the dear illusion
Till the glittering show has ceased;
Seeing only in the storm
Summer blossoms fresh and warm!

Darling, show my heart the lesson;
When life's dreary tempests rise,
Teach me how to stand and face them
With thy hopeful, happy eyes!
In each trial well surmounted
Finding germs of future bliss,
Till I reach that happier dwelling
Where, in looking back on this,
I shall see life's stormiest hours
Wove for me but sweetest flowers!