| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
| |
| The Waking of Spring |
| | | Olive Custance (b. 1874) |
| |
| |
| SPIRIT of Spring, thy coverlet of snow | |
| Hath fallen from thee, with its fringe of frost, | |
| And where the river late did overflow | |
| |
| Sway fragile white anemones, wind-tost, | |
| And in the woods stand snowdrops, half asleep, | 5 |
| With drooping heads—sweet dreamers so long lost. | |
| |
| Spirit, arise! for crimson flushes creep | |
| Into the cold gray east, where clouds assemble | |
| To meet the sun: and earth hath ceased to weep. | |
| |
| Her tears tip every blade of grass, and tremble, | 10 |
| Caught in the cup of every flower. O Spring! | |
| I see thee spread thy pinions,—they resemble | |
| |
| Large delicate leaves, all silver-veined, that fling | |
| Frail floating shadows on the forest sward; | |
| And all the birds about thee build and sing! | 15 |
| |
| Blithe stranger from the gardens of our God, | |
| We welcome thee, for one is at thy side | |
| Whose voice is thrilling music, Love, thy Lord, | |
| Whose tender glances stir thy soul, whose wide | |
| Wings wave above thee, thou awakened bride! | 20 |
| |
|
|
|
