Classic Poem

The trees look sad — sad — I long for the leaves,
Green leaves that shimmer — and shelter the nests that the song-birds make.
The earth is glad — glad — but my spirit grieves.
Break forth from your buds and awake
O! leaves!

I remember the woods last year and the thick fresh leaves!
How they fluttered and flickered and sighed, rustled and quivered all day....
I almost fancy I hear their song to the breeze,
The fickle breeze that faltered and wavered, but would not stay.
I long for the leaves!

I remember the sun-laced grass, where their shadows were flung
In a tangled web as they trembled — trembled a-tilt on the bough,
Now! they are fallen, alas! from the trees where they hung,
Withered, wind-wafted away. ... O! where are they now,