Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/After the Storm
AFTER THE STORM
Down from the frozen clouds fell sleet and rain, Over the wintry fields and forest hoar The wild winds swept with melancholy roar,Awhile the frost bedecked the window pane; At morn the sun resumed his tranquil reign, The fair earth smiled through all her frozen tears And Winter's face revealed his secret fears.How gorgeous was the scene,—each field and lane Was paved with purest pearls and sparkling gems, The darkling furs were hung with diadems,And every leafless vine was fringed with frost; While Phoebus' rays on ice gems strangely madeRevealed their rainbow hues; all without cost The walks of earth like heaven's streets were laid.