The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar/When Winter Darkening All Around

WHEN WINTER DARKENING ALL AROUND

When winter covering all the ground Hides every sign of Spring, sir. However you may look around, Pray what will then you sing, sir?

The Spring was here last year I know, And many bards did flute, sir; I shall not fear a little snow Forbid me from my lute, sir.

If words grow dull and rhymes grow rare, I'll sing of Spring's farewell, sir. For every season steals an air, Which has a Springtime smell, sir.

But if upon the other side, With passionate longing burning, Will seek the half unjeweled tide, And sing of Spring's returning.