How Far The Spring Today, My Friend?

How far is Spring to-day my friend? ‘Tis like a land that to reach must Traverse this land, and this, and that. Before Spring cometh granted Summer goes An Autumn cool must come with it The lonely winds amidst the bosky trees And in the sheltered woods and peopled woods Leaves must then yellow and sere and fall. ‘Twill not be enough - the trees must they Unclothe all garments before Winter’s lust That he may touch with his hand Full every bough and tree and wood Hoary lover! Leaving your icicles Fixed on the boughs and woods that they May shine with every night in the pale moon When clouds are dreaming far and stay away: And heaven’s blue dome unattended leave: Then having suffered long all that surviveth Will go in to the Spring; turn green with it.