The House of the Trees 



Ope your doors and take me in, 



Spirit of the wood, 

 Wash me clean of dust and din, 



Clothe me in your mood. 



Take me from the noisy light 



To the sunless peace, 

 Where at midday standeth Night 



Signing Toil's release. 



All your dusky twilight stores 



To my senses g-ive; 

 Take me in and lock the doors, 



Show me how to live. 



Lift your leafy roof for me, 



Part your yielding walls; 

 Let me wander lingeringly 



Through your scented halls. 



Ope your doors and take me in, 



Spirit of the wood; 

 Take me make me next of kin 



To your leafy brood. 



Ethelwyn Wetherald. 



20 



