Classic Poem

In spring time when the leaves are young,
Clear dewdrops gleam like jewels, hung
On boughs the fair birds roost among.

When summer comes with sweet unrest,
Birds weary of their mother's breast,
And look abroad and leave the nest.

In autumn ere the waters freeze,
The swallows fly across the seas: —
If we could fly away with these! —

In winter when the birds are gone,
The sun himself looks starved and wan,
And starved the snow he shines upon.