THE SAD YEARS
PROGRESS: 1914-1918
“Lo! I am athirst,” said the brown earth,
“And I would drink my fill.”
“Have I not slaked thee, cried the grey skies,
“From river, stream, and rill?”
“I would have wine,” said the hot earth,
“Red wine from hearts afire.”
“Lo! thou shalt arise,” cried the fierce sun,
“Clad in a new attire.”
“My fruit abundant,” said the fair earth,
“As never seen before.”
“Gladly shall I bear,” cried the proud tree,
“That ripe and luscious store.”
“My cloth so radiant,” said the vain earth,
“Shall wrap me in its sheen.”
“Deeply shall we weave,” cried the slim grass,
“In tender gold and green.”
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