Classic Poem

Dost thou remember how, before he came,
None might have said unto another Shade,
Dost thou remember? Lethe held our hearts
As snowfall covers chill the wearied roots
Of bloom once live, and glad, and full of breath,
When all the Earth is stark and white with dream,
And men say, " It is dead."
But when he came
The trance of snow was troubled. Like the Spring,
I felt sweet stir of long-forgotten roots,
Soft wakening in darkness, and afraid.
Ever the air grew warmer, drew a breath
Against the immortal heart-throb of the strings;
Till with some portent like a thunder-burst,
My sleep was rifted.  There stood I, agaze,
With them that gathered round him where he sang,
Bright as a torch in the bewildered eyes
Of wistful hearers, pressing close, to melt
The lonely peace away.  I took the heart
Out of my bosom, like a frozen bird,
To cherish it before the living glow:
And it awoke.
And I remembered all.