12

Spring Prophecies

Paul Hamilton Hayne

Today the wind has a milder range,

And seems to hint of a secret change;

For the gossipy breezes bring to me

The delicate odor of buds to be

In the gardens and groves of Spring.

The early grass in a sheltered nook

Unsheathes its blades near the forest brook;

In the first faint green of the elm I see

A gracious token of leaves to be

In the gardens and groves of Spring.

The peach trees brighten the river's brink

With their dainty blossoms of white and pink,

And over the orchard there comes to me

The subtle fragrance of fruit to be

In the gardens and groves of Spring.

The rigor of winter has passed away,

While the earth seems yearning to meet her May,

And the voice of a bird in melodious glee

Foretells the sweetness of songs to be

In the gardens and groves of Spring.