Classic Poem

Spirit of Spring, draw near, draw near!
Let the glad voices of the brooks
Sing anthems out of shadowy nooks,
And adder-tongues appear.

Bid all thy sleeping kinsfolk wake,
The armies of the grass arise,
White violets open fairy eyes,
And crocus-flames outbreak.

Bring hope to souls that long have lain
In blank despair beside a tomb;
Let every resurrection-bloom
Speak comfort unto pain.

In hearts where sordid cares hold sway
And world-love dulls the sacred gleam,
Re-wake the longing, and the dream
Of childhood's golden day.

Spirit of Spring, draw near, draw near,—
With leaf, and blossom, and the light
Unspeakable on plain and height,—
High-priestess of the year!