Winter

Earth bears her sorrow gladly, like a nun, Her young face glowing through the icy veil. The storms that threaten her, the winds that rail, Kindle a deeper color. She has won Graces that please the high-enthronèd sun; Across her soft white robes that drift and trail He casts his lordly purples, lest she quail With the dead year, and think that all is done. She leadeth on through desolate sad days, A smile upon her lips, a triumph-song Shut in her heart. Be glad! so singeth she; Glad of the solitude, the silent ways,— Even of the pain; so shall thy soul grow strong For the brave spring that comes to set us free.