Page:Poems of the Great War - Cunliffe.djvu/274

 248 JAMES STEPHENS

Then you went down, and then, and as in pain, The Spring affrighted fled her leafy ways, The clouds came to the earth in gusty rain, And no sun shone again for many days : And day by day they told that one was dead, And day by day the season mourned for you, Until that count of woe was finished, And Spring remembered all was yet to do.

She came with mirth of wind and eager leaf. With scampering feet and reaching out of wings. She laughed among the boughs and banished

grief, And cared again for all her baby things ; Leading along the joy that has to be. Bidding her timid buds think on the May, And told that Summer comes with victory. And told the hope that is all creatures' stay.

Go, Winter, now unto your own abode. Your time is done, and Spring is conqueror Lift up with all your gear and take your road. For she is here and brings the sun with her : Now are we resurrected, now are we, Who lay so long beneath an icy hand, New-risen into life and liberty, Because the Spring is come into our land.

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