DOGWOOD IN BLOOM 



Oh, cold was my shift in winter! 



Oh, white was my shroud of snow ! 

 Nay, soft was my robe of slumber, 



For I was asleep, you know. 



You carved of the ice my casket 



cradle of crystal light ! 



While roughly the wind was rocking, 



1 dreamed to my heart 's delight. 



Old Boreas' blowing bore you 

 The dolor of dirge and sigh: 



The wind all the while was whistling 

 My sleepytime lullaby. 



You saw in the frost enamel 

 The seal of the silent hours : 



The frost that impearled my branches 

 Was only my dream of flowers ! 



Whatever the thrall of winter. 

 Whatever the thought it bring, 



I weave from that pall of whiteness 

 The surplice I wear in spring ! 



The soul of the marble statue, 



Though chiseled in storm and strife, 



I wake to the truth I dreamed of 



The beauty and joy of life ! 



72 



